(Realistic and Easy) Yoga Poses For Boosting Confidence and Inner Strength

You don't want to get out of bed. 

You don't feel like washing your hair today (ugh that requires effort and like...a shower)

You DON'T want to give that presentation later.

You really just want to put on your comfy pants and stay home. 

This is really just the way it is for most people, especially during young adulthood. Life has a tendency to become a big ugly pile of "I don't want to's", because, let's be honest here....Netflix all day definitely beats going to school or work ANY day. 

What if I told you that in just 5 minutes you could feel more confident that you do right now? 

Yoga. 

It looks intimidating. It seems new-ageish. And I totally get the sensation of "uh...yeah my body doesn't do that." 

The truth is: there are poses out there that you can do, or at least attempt, right now with very little experience or effort. I personally do yoga almost every day. It clears my mind and somehow makes me feel more confident every time I do it. Just give it a try and you will see!

Hold each pose for about a minute and remember to breathe deeply during each pose!

1) Tree Pose

Tree Pose is not complicated and has real benefits on your health. 

This pose: 

• relieves tension in your hips (which is where a lot of stress/tension from daily life is stored)
• clears your mind (you'll be focusing on balance and forgetting about to-do's)
• makes you feel strong and able to speak your mind

For beginners, try the modification:

When you are ready:

Bring your foot up as high as you feel comfortable. 

Do NOT push your raised foot on your knee cap (can you say "knee injury"?). Simply rest it there without pushing. 

2) Sun Warrior Pose

This one is awesome. This pose:

• Improves digestion by releasing tension in major organs
• Opens the rib cage and chest to receive "happy" vibes
• Makes you look dramatic and fabulous
• Imagine being in the warm sun during this pose

3) Locust Pose

This one is very soothing. With eyes closed and breathing steady, this pose helps us imagine flight and envision soaring through the sky, away from stress and harm. 

4) Warrior 1 Pose

This pose: 

• Opens hips to release tension
• Opens chest and rib cage
• Elongates spine for posture
• Improves confidence

With this one, please make sure your knee does not go over your foot in the lunge. This can hurt your knee if you aren't careful!

5) Warrior 2 Pose

This pose helps us to embody the qualities of a warrior and reap the confidence from that. Many people choose to imagine positive energy flowing from their fingertips while in this pose.

Again, make sure you are breathing deeply and NEVER let that knee go over the toes. 

I promise if you put your mind and effort into these poses, you will reap the benefits of confidence and inner-strength. You may even find yourself speaking your mind more often, or finding courage in situations you used to fear. 

Thanks for reading and stay healthy, readers!

Love always, 

Hannah