Do you ever feel like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed and are instantly in a bad mood? Yeah, us too! Instead of hitting the snooze button one more time, try these 5 simple yoga poses that will put you in a good mood every morning! We wholeheartedly believe that our practice elevates our mood, as well as keeps us anxiety-free. There are even scientific studies that support the idea that there are genes linked to stress that can actually be turned on and off through yoga. So, why wouldn’t you want to try these moves?

Next time your alarm clock rings, try out these 5 pose sequence that is sure to brighten your day and put you in a good mood.

1. Three-Legged Dog:

This pose is a variation of Downward Facing Dog. Although this is technically a resting pose, the entire body remains active. Grip the mat with your fingertips, roll your biceps forward, move your shoulder blades down, pull your quads up and away from your knees, and engage your core. In this variation, you raise one leg towards the ceiling. For a more intense stretch, flex the elevated foot, so that all five toes are pointed towards the ground. This pose is perfect to do shortly after you wake up, as it activates most of your body’s muscles!

2. Warrior 1: 

From Downward Facing Dog, step your left foot forward so it rests in between your hands, and then place the right heel down so it is perpendicular with your left heel. Bend into a deep lunge that aligns your left knee over your ankle. Raise your arms towards the ceiling, actively reaching through your fingertips. Open your chest to the ceiling so there’s a slight arch in your spine. This pose opens up your heart and stretches out your upper body, while still actively engaging your legs.

3. Warrior 2:

Next, move to Warrior 2 pose! Rotate your hips, so they now open up. Your left heel should be perpendicular with your right foot. Reach your left hand forwards and stretch your right hand backwards to form one line as you bend your left knee into a lunge. You should feel this pose energizing and waking up your legs.

4. Camel:

Backbends are known to release emotion and be energizing. If you have trouble getting out of bed, this is the pose to try! Stand on your knees. Both your knees and feet should be six inches apart. Then, extend backwards and curve your spine, latching your hands onto your ankles. Look backwards and push your hips forward. This pose stretches out your torso and back muscles, loosening all your joints and gets your blood moving! Be sure to place your hands on your hips before releasing the pose, to protect your spine.

5. Happy Baby

This last pose opens your hips and eliminates all the stress from your body! Lie on your back and bend your knees into your stomach. Next, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands. Open your knees slightly wider than your torso and bring them towards your armpits. Your shins should be perpendicular to the floor with flexed heels.

Are you in a good mood yet?

After these 5 quick yoga poses, your mind should be clear and your body should be stress-free. If you enjoyed these mood-boosting poses and crave more, we’d love to talk with you about furthering your yoga practice. Please contact one of our yogis any time and connect with us on Facebook.