Five minute yoga: Part 2 Jumpstart your engine or cool your jets

For the mornings you just can’t keep your eyes open and you stumble towards the coffee like a zombie towards it’s prey: try Viparita Karani.  This pose, also called descriptivally Legs Up the Wall pose is a yoga cure all for many complaints and it can supercharge your energy, or bring down your stress.  I recommend and practice this pose on those sleepy mornings as well as in the midday in lieu of a nap.

The inversion quality of this pose rejuvenates and balances the body, nervous system and energy.  In order to do this pose you will need a bolster. Place the bolster close to a wall and sit with your back against the wall and your right hip against the bolster.  Bring your right hand down just over from the body and thread your left hand through the circle of the right arm.  Use this motion to turn the body so it carries your legs up the wall and your pelvis is supported by the bolster.  You can also have a cushion under the head and shoulders if you prefer.  Enjoy this pose for 5-30 minutes allowing the blood flow to reverse, the heartbeat to relax, the breathing to relax.

If you don’t have a bolster, or the turn up the wall isn’t something your ready to try, modify this pose using a coffee table, chair seat or couch.  Simply lie flat and bring the legs from knee down to rest on the elevated surface.  You will receive a similar inversion benefit.

Try adding this pose to your day at times where you feel your energy fading and you need refreshment.  Or enjoy this pose when you are overstressed and you can’t seem to relax after work.