Suffering from depression? THESE yoga poses can help fight depression

In today's age, almost every second person is suffering from depression. Depression is caused due to several reasons, some accept that they are depressed, while others fight the battle silently without realising that something is wrong. The idea of depression stems from the mind and can be treated by using antidepressant pills and psychotherapy, but again, they are not appropriate for many. Hence, to achieve a healthy life and a stable mind, Yoga can come in handy.

Yoga's different mind-body approach can be used to reduce stress, treat depression, and to enhance overall well-being. Performing a yoga asana can help with anxiety, since it helps in calming our stress response system and contribute to a state of calm. It increases blood circulation to the brain and increases the production of the mood-elevating hormones.With that said, here are five yoga poses that can help combat depression, and here's why you should start practicing it daily. 

Balasana (Child Pose):

This pose helps you with stress and anxiety. It stretches your lower back and hips, which enables your body to relax. This pose is easy and is considered as one of the most comfortable yoga poses. Kneel and sit on your heels, while your big toes touch each other. Then place your hands on the knees and spread your knees hip-width apart. Bend forward with your face touching the ground. Bring your arms forward and place them on either side of your head. Stay in this position for a few minutes.

Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose):

Bridge pose strengthens the back muscles and relieves a tired back. It helps you relax and works wonders on people suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. Lie down on the floor, keep your arms on either side with the palms facing down. Then lift your legs and fold them at the knees. Gently lift your back off the floor and stay there for a few seconds. While performing this, your thighs should be parallel to each other, and your chest should touch your chin. Make sure to not bend your chin.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose):

This pose has a soothing effect on the body and tackles all the stresses trapped in your back. It's known to cure fatigue and depression and further strengthens your upper body. Lie on the floor with your face down and legs following the same. Place your palms on either side, facing down. Keep your palms close to your ribs. Lift your torso and straighten your arms, then press the top part of your feet firmly into the ground. Keep your head straight and your shoulders away from your ears and let your chest rise.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose):

This pose improves blood flow into the body. It opens the neck and spine, releasing the stress in them, thereby reducing anxiety and calms the nerves. Make a posture of a table with your body. Use legs and hands to make the legs of the table and back as the tabletop. Straighten your elbows and knees, pushing your hip upward and forming an inverted V-shape with the body. The hands should be shoulder-width apart, legs hip-width apart, and the toes pointing straight. Press your hands to the ground and straighten your neck. Keep your eye gaze at your navel.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose):

Uttanasana discharges tension in your back, shoulders and neck. It improves the functioning of the nervous system and calms you down. Stand straight with your arms alongside your body and your feet at arms’ length. Now, place your arms on your hips and bend forward at the hips. Make your head and chest touch your thighs. Bring your hands down and put them beside your feet.

Practice these poses daily and see the results yourself.