Yoga For When You’re Sick

Waking up to a sore throat and a runny nose can really dampen the mood. Feeling sluggish and unmotivated isn’t the best way to start off the day, so why not try some yoga! That might not seem like the first thing that comes to mind when dealing with the cold, maybe dayquil or cough syrup seem more suitable. Of course, that’s a totally viable option that can definitely help, but if you’re looking for something to bring your mood up while loosening your tightly wound muscles, a little yoga never hurt anybody. We’ve compiled a list of yoga poses to try while you’re battling a cold.

Bridge Pose

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose) is very effective in opening up the chest, thighs, and hips, while also improving digestion and regulating metabolism. Start by laying flat on your back. Then, place your feet flat on the ground near your butt with your knees bent. With palms flat on the ground, lift yourself off the ground, keeping only your feet firmly on the ground and your shoulders and head down. Squeezing your glutes hips angled up, hold this position for 30 seconds, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. If you need a little more support, grab your ankles while you’re lifted in the air. 

If you’re feeling particularly sluggish you can always try this pose with the support of a yoga block, placing it on the small of your back!

Spinal Twist

When you’ve got a cold, your muscles might feel more tightly wound than usual, and the spinal twist is amazing for releasing tension in the lower back. Lying flat on your back, spread your arms flat on the mat and bring your right knee towards your chest, reaching towards the opposite side of your body until your knee touches the ground beside your left hip. Place your left hand on your bent knee, and face your head to the right. Hold this pose for 30 seconds before releasing your knee and repeating on the opposite side.

Leg Up Pose

Finding a wall, place your mat next to it and lay flat on your  back, placing your legs straight up against the wall. Your butt should be up against the wall and the soles of your feet facing up. If you need, you can bend your legs slightly, or even place a block on  your lower back for extra support. Either way, you’re getting a great stretch in your legs and back, and it’s super relaxing as well!