April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to explore how yoga can be a powerful tool to boost your mood and elevate your spirit. In our fast-paced world, it's no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental well-being. However, practicing yoga can help you manage stress, release tension, and cultivate positive emotions. So, roll out your mat and let's dive into six yoga poses that can help you de-stress and enhance your mood throughout this month and beyond!

1. Horse

Stress often manifests in the body, resulting in tension and tightness. Horse Pose is both a grounding and empowering pose that can help release stress from the body. This pose activates the root chakra, which is associated with feelings of safety, security, and stability. It can help you feel more centered and supported. At the same time, this pose requires effort, so the energy you are expending helps burn off stress and lift your mood!

To do Horse Pose, turn to face the side of your mat and take your feet wider than your shoulders. Externally rotate from your hips so that your knees and toes are turned out. Bend your knees until they are stacked over your ankles, then bring your arms to a “goal post” position. If you feel like you can go deeper, take your feet wider so that you can sit deeper in the squat. You always bring your hands to your heart to give your shoulders a rest. Hold for 5 deep breaths.

2. Wild Thing

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Wild Thing Pose is a playful, heart-opening pose that encourages feelings of joy and freedom. This pose is a gentle backbend that stretches the front of the body and opens the heart. It can help release tension in the chest and shoulders, while promoting a sense of lightness and positivity, making it a perfect mood-boosting pose.

For Wild Thing, start in Downward Facing Dog. Lift your right leg and bend your knee. Land your right toes on the ground behind you and bring your right hand off the ground, reaching behind you. Keep your left leg straight and lift your chest toward the ceiling. Hold for 3 - 5 breaths. To release the pose, either flip back over or sit down on the ground. Repeat on the left side.

3. Cobra

Stress can often lead to slouching and rounded shoulders, resulting in poor posture, pain, and decreased energy. Cobra Pose is another gentle chest opener that helps to counteract this by stretching the front of the body and opening the heart. This pose helps to improve posture, increase circulation, and stimulate the nervous system. Its invigorating effects can help you feel more awake and rejuvenated, boosting your mood and reducing stress.

To do Cobra Pose, start lying belly-down on the ground with the tops of your feet on the ground and separated as wide as your hips. Bring your hands under your shoulders and hug your elbows toward each other behind you. Press into your hands and lift your chest away from the floor. (You can lift your chest any amount, but keep your hips grounded and maintain at least a slight bend in your elbows.) Press down into the tops of your feet and engage the muscles in your legs. Hold for 5 breaths, then lower back down.

4. Tree

Finding balance in the midst of stress can be challenging. Tree Pose is a standing balance pose that promotes focus, stability, and inner calm. This pose requires concentration and mindfulness, helping to quiet the mind and reduce stress. The grounding nature of this pose brings a sense of rootedness and stability, and it can help you feel more balanced and centered, even in the face of stress.

To practice Tree Pose, stand with your feet hip distance apart with your toes pointing forward. Root through your right foot and lift your left foot off the ground. Place the sole of your left foot on the inside of your right leg so that your knee is pointing out to your left. (You can use your hands to help get it there!) Be sure to avoid pressing your foot into your knee. Hold for 3 - 5 breaths, then release and reset. Do the same on the other side!

5. Mountain

Mountain Pose is a foundational pose that can help you cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and a sense of power. This pose encourages you to be present in the moment and connect with your breath. It can help you become more aware of your body, thoughts, and emotions, allowing you to let go of stress and find a sense of calm and clarity

For Mountain Pose, stand with your feet together or hip distance apart and your toes facing forward. Gently engage your core and lift the top of your head toward the ceiling to stand tall. Lift your arms above your head. Hold for 3 - 5 deep breaths.

6. Standing Camel

Stress can often result in tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. Standing Camel Pose can help release this tension and promote a sense of vitality and energy. This pose stretches the front of the body and opens the heart, helping to counteract the effects of stress and tension–and sitting for long periods! The uplifting nature of this pose can help you feel more energized and empowered, boosting your mood and reducing stress.

To do Standing Camel, start standing with your feet as wide as your hips and your toes pointing straight ahead. Bring your hands to your lower back for support and reach the top of your head upward to create length in your spine. Arch back any amount and drop your head back slightly to open your throat. Be sure to keep your neck comfortable. Hold for 3 - 5 breaths, then engage your core to stand upright.

Yoga can be a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing your mood. The poses mentioned above offer a range of benefits, from releasing tension in the body to promoting mindfulness and inner calm. As we observe Stress Awareness Month in April, take the time to incorporate these poses into your yoga practice or your self-care routine.

6 Poses to Boost Your Mood