Yoga Poses to Practice Regularly to Help Your Immunity

You eat well, you practice good hygiene and you even add adaptogens to your smoothies to make sure you’re in top shape — something more important than ever. While you’re putting your personal immunity as a priority, we’re here to remind you that yoga naturally uplifts your vitality‚— and you never have to step away from your comfort zone, or your Sugarmat for that matter, while you’re at it.

Here are four yoga poses you should incorporate everyday to help you build resilience inside and out:

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama is the heart of yoga. It is the formal practice of controlling your breath, and the practice helps to soothe and revitalize a tired body, and at the same time, calm anxiety and uncertain thoughts.

How to:

Start in a comfortable seated position, on the mat, blocks or even a cushion. Keep your shoulders over the tips and sit tall. Inhale a deep breath, feeling it up and down your spine. Repeat.

MATSYASANA, OR THE FISH POSE

This variation of the fish pose is an immunity-strengthening one. It is elevated, aiding in detoxification and boosting energy levels. In addition, it can also relieve nasal congestion.

How to:

Lie on your back, and support it with a thickly rolled blanket. Be sure your head rests comfortably on the floor and your throat is soft. Lift your pelvis gently off the floor and slide your hands, palms down, under your bum and don’t lift them during this pose. Tuck your forearms and elbows to your side. Release your head back to the floor.

VIPARITA KARANI

Viparita Karani, or legs up a wall, is such a tension-releasing pose. It’s a gentler form of an inversion and it is said to boost nerve connections, and improve blood flow.

How to:

Start by laying a yoga mat on the floor. Sit down with your side against the wall. Slowly swing your legs up the wall while at the same time, lowering your back down on the mat. Adjust accordingly so you’re comfortable enough to stay in the position for 5 - 15 minutes.

UTTANASANA

The forward bend is practiced in the most basic of classes, so you should be familiar with it. This pose relieves congestion, while letting gravity do its work protecting the sinuses and mucus membranes.

How to:

Begin by standing hip-width apart. As you fold, relax your knees and your hips, slowly and gently. Rest your hands on the floor, your ankles, or thighs and stay in the position for 5-10 breaths.