Want To Build Physical Resilience? Yoga Asanas For Protection From Changing Weather

As the seasons undergo transition and temperatures fluctuate, adapting our wellness routines becomes crucial to navigating the challenges brought about by changing weather, particularly the onset of colder seasons. Thus, integrating specific yoga asanas into your daily routine emerges as a proactive and holistic approach to keeping your immune system intact. These yoga postures not only bolster physical resilience but also contribute significantly to nurturing overall well-being, offering a comprehensive response to the demands imposed by shifting environmental conditions.

Why are yoga asanas important and how do they make a difference?

While one would think that yoga asanas are great for the flexibility and agility of one's body, it is truly a boon when it comes to the overall well-being of a person. Especially when it comes to the shift in seasons, it is great to incorporate yoga asanas to build overall physical resilience.

Yoga, by its very nature, emphasises the interconnectedness of the body and mind. Engaging in regular yoga practice during seasonal shifts fosters a heightened awareness of the body's responses to external factors. This heightened awareness allows individuals to make mindful adjustments in their routines, adapting to the changing needs of both body and mind. The holistic approach of yoga encourages individuals to embrace a lifestyle that aligns with the natural rhythms of the seasons.

What yoga asanas are good to practice during the changing weather?

When it comes to yoga, every asana has a different and important value. Rajeev Rajesh, Chief Yoga Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute shares which yoga asanas would actually help build physical resilience during the changing weather. Primarily, he indicated four of these asanas - Hasta Uttanasana, Ustrasana, Halasana, and Padahastasana.

Now let us understand what these asanas are in depth:

Hasta Uttanasana

Hasta Uttanasana, also known as the Raised Arms Pose, is a yoga pose that involves stretching the entire body and is often incorporated into various yoga sequences. The name "Hasta Uttanasana" is derived from the Sanskrit words "hasta," which means "hands," "uttana," which means "intense stretch," and "asana," which means "pose" or "posture." In English, it is commonly referred to as the Raised Arms Pose.

Rajeev describes the steps to go ahead with it:

- Begin by assuming the Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) stance.

- Extend your arms upward, lifting your joined palms above your head.

- Create a gentle arch with your head, neck, and upper back.

- Ensure your arms are close to your ears as you lean your upper body backwards.

- Maintain a steady gaze towards the sky throughout the pose.

"Hasta Uttanasana, or Raised Arms Pose, may indirectly alleviate cold-related discomforts by promoting increased blood circulation, energizing the body, opening the chest for improved respiratory function, reducing stress, and enhancing digestion," he adds.

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Ustrasana

The name "Ushtrasana" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ushtra," which means "camel," and "asana," which means "pose" or "posture." This yoga pose is so named because the final position resembles the hump of a camel. Ushtrasana is a backbend that is part of Hatha yoga and is commonly included in various yoga sequences.

Rajeev describes the steps to go ahead with it:

- Start by kneeling on the yoga mat in Ustrasana and place your hands on your hips.

- Arch your back, straighten your arms, and cross your palms over your feet.

- Ensure your neck is in a neutral position, avoiding any flexing or straining.

- Stay in this posture for several breaths, maintaining awareness of your breath.

- To return to the original position, exhale thoroughly before slowly standing tall.

- Pull your hands back and rest them on your hips as you resume the starting position.

"Ustrasana, or Camel Pose offers supportive benefits by promoting improved circulation, strengthening the immune system, enhancing respiratory function, reducing stress, and providing an energizing effect," he adds.

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Halasana

Halasana, also known as the Plow Pose, is a yoga asana that involves folding the body in half with the legs stretched overhead, bringing the feet to the floor behind the head. The name "Halasana" is derived from the Sanskrit words "hala," which means plow, and "asana," which means pose or posture. This pose is considered both a forward bend and an inversion, offering various physical and mental benefits.

Rajeev describes the steps to go ahead with it:

- Begin by lying on your back and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle by engaging your abdominal muscles.

- Press your palms firmly into the ground as you lower your legs behind your head, lifting your lower and middle back off the floor. Allow your toes to touch the floor behind you.

- For added support, you can bend your arms at the elbows while keeping your hands flat on the floor.

- Stay in this position for a few breaths, maintaining a steady and comfortable breath.

"Halasana, or Plow Pose, offers potential benefits in cold weather by promoting improved blood circulation, strengthening the immune system, relieving tension in the spine and neck, calming the nervous system, enhancing respiratory function, and contributing to better sleep," he adds.

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Padahastasana

Padahastasana, also known as Hand to Foot Pose or Standing Forward Bend, is a yoga asana that involves a deep forward bend with the hands reaching towards the feet. This pose provides a stretch to the entire back of the body, including the spine, hamstrings, and calves.

- Begin in Hastha Uttanasana, with your hands lifted above your head.

- As you exhale, gently lower your hips and upper body, maintaining the forward fold, and tuck your nose between your knees.

- Place your palms on either side of your feet, adjusting as needed.

- Beginners may slightly bend their knees for comfort, gradually straightening them as they become more flexible.

- With practice, aim to bring your thighs into contact with your chest while maintaining a straightening of the knees.

- Allow gravity to naturally guide you lower, bringing your nose between your legs.

"Padahastasana, or Standing Forward Bend, can be particularly beneficial in cold weather. This yoga pose involves a forward fold, promoting improved blood circulation, warming the body, and enhancing flexibility in the spine and hamstrings. The inverted nature of the pose may also stimulate the digestive system, supporting overall well-being," he adds.

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Yoga is quickly becoming a favourite among health enthusiasts and adding these asanas could only make your health and physique a lot much healthier.