Depression

Depression
Yoga’s regulating and energizing properties can help alleviate many of the symptoms of mild depression*. Yoga postures will activate and move prana in the body, open the heart center, stimulate the nervous system and balance the body-mind-spirit. A slow, gentle practice is recommended; do not overexert yourself or you may end up more tired than you began. Practice as often as possible; daily is most beneficial.

Yoga Postures
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Calms the brain and rejuvenates tired legs.

Dolphin Plank Pose
A modification of Plank Pose, Dolphin Plank Pose strengthens and tones the core, thighs, and arms.

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
Don't let the name fool you. If you're used to sitting in chairs, Sukhasana can be quite challenging.

Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose)
This pose is also commonly called Forearm or Elbow Balance.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)
The alignment in Handstand is exactly the same as it is in Mountain, the only difference being in the position of the arms.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Uttanasana will wake up your hamstrings and soothe your mind.

Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
This version of Shoulderstand is performed with blanket support under the shoulders.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)
Upward-Facing Dog will challenge you to lift and open your chest.

Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
One poetic translation of this pose means "the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart."

Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana is a pose of total relaxation--making it one of the most challenging asanas.

Dolphin Pose
A nice shoulder-opening. Also strengthens the core, arms, and legs.

Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)
A cross between Child's Pose and Downward Facing Dog. This pose lengthens the spine and calms the mind.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose)
Stretches the outer hips intensely, particularly the piriformis, which is often the main culprit of sciatic pain.

Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend)
A forward bend for all levels of students, Janu Sirsasana is also a spinal twist.

Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand)
Standing on your head in proper alignment calms the brain and strengthens the body.

Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow or Wheel Pose)
Strengthens the arms, legs, abdomen, and spine, and gives a boost of energy.

Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend)
The pose as described here is technically known as Prasarita Padottanasana I.


Pranayama
Practice Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayamas to reduce stress and to calm the body, heart and mind. If there is excess fatigue, practice Kapalabhati Pranayama to energize the body.

Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind, reduces negativity and creates a positive attitude. Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Yoga Meditation, Heart Chakra Meditation, Mantra Meditation.