Yoga can be an excellent tool for improving body image and boosting self-esteem (Image: Shutterstock)
Bollywood diva Malaika Arora’s yoga trainer Sarvesh Shashi shares some amazing asanas on Instagram to tackle body image woes
Body image issues can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. Social pressure to conform to a certain body type or appearance can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness. Fortunately, yoga can be an excellent tool for improving body image and boosting self-esteem. Bollywood diva Malaika Arora’s yoga trainer Sarvesh Shashi took to Instagram to share some amazing asanas to tackle the problem of body imaging. According to Shashi, “Body image issues can be serious if not treated on time. They can result in low self-esteem, unhealthy eating patterns, and declining health. Yoga has been proven to help improve self-awareness, body love, and gratitude.”
Here are 3 yoga asanas that will help improve your body image:
- Pavanamuktasana (wind-relieving pose)
Lie flat on your back, with your arms at your sides and palms facing down. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, lift your right knee to your chest, encircling it with your hands. You can use a yoga strap if you cannot reach your shin comfortably. Bring your right knee close to your chest and take a few deep breaths. As you exhale, release your right leg, bring your left knee toward your chest, and clasp your hands around your shin. Keep your left knee close to your chest and take a few deep breaths. As you exhale, release your left leg. Now, bring both the knees towards your chest and clasp your hands around your shins. Keep both knees close to your chest and take a few deep breaths. While exhaling, release both the legs and lie back on your back. Repeat this sequence a few times, bringing one knee toward your chest at a time, or holding both knees together. - Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands flat on the floor next to your shoulders, your fingers spread. As you inhale, slowly lift your head, chest and upper abdomen off the floor. Straighten your arms as far as you can without locking your elbows. Keep your elbows at your sides and your shoulders away from your ears. Look straight ahead or, if it’s comfortable for your neck, tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few deep breaths to lift your chest and lengthen your spine. Inhaling, slowly return your head and chest to the floor. - Dhanurasana (bow pose)
Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and your feet hip-width apart. Kneel down and point your heels in the direction of your buttocks. Grab your ankles with both of your backhands. As you inhale, lift your chest, head and legs off the floor, pulling your legs away from your buttocks as high as possible. Keep your knees hip-width apart and your shoulders away from your ears. Hold the pose for a few deep breaths to lift your chest and lengthen your spine. As you exhale, slowly lower your chest, head and legs back down to the floor, releasing your ankles.
