7 Best Yoga Poses To Help Break Bad Habits
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Isn’t yoga all about overcoming bad habits? I am sure you have a list of bad habits that you need to get rid of. When you practice yoga, you are invariably working towards avoiding them.
Let me tell you how. Yoga is a holistic approach towards tackling bad habits like smoking, drinking, lethargy, eating unhealthy food, etc. It is an excellent way to slow down and prioritize.
While yoga, in general, helps you keep away from bad habits, there are certain poses in specific that revive motivating qualities to strengthen and support you to fight off the bad habits.
Check them below.
Yoga To Stop Bad Habits
We know that yoga stretches, strengthens and tones. We also know it is calming and restorative. But how does it help in overcoming bad habits that have become habitual?
Well, the first step towards eradicating anything terrible is to slow down and take notice of its effects on your being. Yoga aids you to pause and make sensible decisions instead of mindlessly going about your day.
As you begin to learn a yoga pose, you don’t necessarily master it at the first go. It takes time and with the consistent practice of the pose, you get good with it. This process trains you to apply the same off the mat- trying till you overcome your addiction.
Yoga stresses on prolonged happiness instead of instant gratification. It helps you realize the ill effects of everyday bad habits which otherwise seem to get you through the day. With yoga, you become honest with yourself and avoid what’s bad for you.
Yoga reflects your real capabilities. The feeling is empowering pushing you to better yourself and in the process get rid of all the unnecessary negativity.
Let’s have a look at the yoga poses that help you overcome bad habits, shall we?
Yoga Poses To Combat Bad Habits
The yoga poses mentioned below activate the energy center in your navel keeping you grounded and increasing the scope of transformation. Practice them every day in the morning for at least 40 days to observe changes in your thinking and behavior.
1. Balasana (Child Pose)
About The Pose- Balasana or the Child Pose is an asana that resembles the fetal position of a baby. It is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning or evening on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 1 to 5 minutes.
Benefits- Balasana releases tension in the chest, shoulders, and back. It reduces stress and anxiety. It fights dizziness and normalizes blood flow throughout the body.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Balasana.
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
About The Pose- Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose is an asana that resembles the raised hood of a snake. It is an energizing backbend. It is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Practice it in the morning or evening on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.
Benefits- Bhujangasana improves your mood and invigorates your heart. It releases stress and fatigue. The pose improves your flexibility and reduces stiffness in your lower back.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Bhujangasana.
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
About The Pose- Dhanurasana or the Bow Pose is an asana that resembles a stringed bow. It is a perfect back stretching exercise.The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
Benefits- Dhanurasana helps in overcoming lethargy. The pose keeps you balanced when you are tired or hyperactive. It opens up your chest, neck, and shoulders.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Dhanurasana.
4. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
About The Pose- Ustrasana or the Camel Pose is an asana that resembles a camel. It is a backbend. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
Benefits- Ustrasana heals and balances your chakras. It improves your overall health and well-being. The pose opens up the front of your body and improves your posture.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Ustrasana.
5. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
About The Pose- Adho Mukha Svanasana or the Downward Dog Pose is an asana that looks similar to a dog bending forward. The pose is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 1 to 5 minutes.
Benefits- Adho Mukha Svanasana rejuvenates and energizes you. It calms your brain and relieves depression. It cures insomnia and fatigue. The pose is therapeutic for high blood pressure.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Adho Mukha Svanasana.
[ Read: 7 Yoga Poses That Will Help You Fight Depression ]
6. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
About The Pose- Vrikshasana or the Tree Pose is an asana that resembles the gentle and robust stance of a tree. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 1 minute on each leg.
Benefits- Vrikshasana improves your stamina and concentration. It has a tranquil effect on your body. The pose relaxes your central nervous system and promotes your self-confidence.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Vrikshasana.
7. Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)
About The Pose- Natarajasana or the Dancer Pose is an asana named after Nataraja, the lord of the dance. It resembles one of his dance moves. The pose is an intermediate level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.
Benefits- Natarajasana is a stress buster. It increases the flexibility of your body. It helps you center your mind and body. The pose improves your posture, concentration, and balance.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Natarajasana.
Now, let’s answer some common queries on yoga and bad habits.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How often do I practice yoga to overcome bad habits?
Practice yoga every day in the morning continuously for 40 days to observe a change.
Do I stay away from bad habits once I begin the yoga practice?
Yes, you must consciously avoid bad practices that harm your body and mind once you begin the yoga practice. As you go further into your training, you slowly lose the urge to succumb to the bad habits.
All of us have bad habits. It is not right to live with them. You must make sure you recognize what they are doing to you and find a way to get rid of them. Yoga gives you that perfect push and confidence to combat your ingrained bad habits, and you must start now. Have you ever considered yoga to stop habits? If yes, how did it help you? Share your experience with us by leaving a comment below.
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