29 November,2011 06:56 AM IST | | The Features Team
Yogacharya Shameem Akhtar (seen here) says, "Backbends stimulate the body and mind; forward bends ease stress by increasing blood flow to the brain, and reducing tension from contracted muscles."
Ardha Ushtrasana: From a kneeling position, come up on to both knees. Place the hands on hips as shown. Inhale, and press the knees down reaching the crown of the head to lengthen the spine. Exhale and press the hips forward, sqeezing the buttocks and thighs.
Balasana: Kneel. Keep your big toes together and sit on your heels. Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs. You can stay in this pose from 30 seconds to a few minutes. To come up, first lengthen the front torso, inhale, and then lift from the tailbone as it presses down and into the pelvis.
Adhomukha svanasana: Go down on your hands and knees. Stretch the elbows and relax the upper back between the shoulder blades. Exhale and lift your knees and draw your back backwards from the pelvis, so that your arms and back form one line. This asana provides a good stretch for the calves.
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Pics/ Bipin Kokate
Avoid glucose biscuits and canned juices. These are quick energy fixes that cause a spike in blood-sugar levels. But after some time, there is a sudden drop, and you end up feeling sluggish.
--u00a0Niti Desai, nutritionist
