Yoga Poses to Boost Circulation and Energy in February
February often brings the tail end of winter—cold days, sluggish energy, and a longing for the warmth of spring. This time of year can leave us feeling a bit stagnant, both physically and mentally. However, incorporating specific yoga poses into your routine can help invigorate the body, boost circulation, and increase energy levels, helping you feel more vibrant and alive.
Yoga is a powerful tool to stimulate the cardiovascular system, awaken dormant energy, and encourage a renewed sense of vitality. Below are some carefully selected poses to help you combat winter fatigue and feel your best this February.
1. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
Sun Salutations are a sequence of dynamic movements that get your blood pumping and your body warm. This flowing practice stimulates circulation throughout the entire body, helping to combat the sluggishness that can settle in during colder months.
How to Practice:
Stand at the top of your mat with your feet together.
Inhale as you reach your arms overhead, and exhale as you fold forward.
Step or jump back into a plank pose, then lower down through a Chaturanga (yoga push-up).
Inhale into upward-facing dog or cobra, then exhale into downward-facing dog.
Step forward and rise back up to standing.
Repeat for 5-10 rounds.
Benefits: This sequence warms up the entire body, increases heart rate, and promotes circulation while also calming the mind.
2. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II strengthens the legs, opens the hips, and encourages better blood flow throughout the lower body.
How to Practice:
Stand with your feet about a leg’s distance apart.
Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot slightly inward.
Bend your right knee so it aligns over your ankle.
Extend your arms parallel to the floor, gazing over your right hand.
Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.
Benefits: This pose strengthens the legs and encourages circulation through the lower body, grounding your energy.
3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This classic yoga pose lengthens the spine, stretches the hamstrings, and brings fresh blood flow to the brain, promoting clarity and energy.
How to Practice:
Start on your hands and knees.
Tuck your toes under and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
Straighten your legs (keeping a slight bend if needed) and press your heels towards the floor.
Spread your fingers wide and press through your hands.
Hold for 5-8 breaths.
Benefits: Downward dog helps to invigorate the entire body, promoting blood flow to the brain and energising the nervous system.
4. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge pose is excellent for opening the chest, stimulating the heart, and improving circulation throughout the body.
How to Practice:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart.
Press your feet into the ground and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
Clasp your hands underneath your back and press your arms into the mat.
Hold for 5-8 breaths, then slowly lower down.
Benefits: This pose opens up the heart and lungs, encouraging better oxygen flow and circulation.
5. Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
Twisting poses like revolved chair help stimulate the digestive system and encourage circulation to the internal organs.
How to Practice:
Stand with your feet together and bend your knees as though sitting back into a chair.
Bring your hands to prayer position at your chest.
Twist to the right, hooking your left elbow outside your right knee.
Hold for 5 breaths, then switch sides.
Benefits: Twists help wring out toxins, promote circulation to the internal organs, and create a sense of lightness in the body.
6. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
This restorative pose is perfect for calming the nervous system while promoting circulation in the legs and feet.
How to Practice:
Sit sideways next to a wall, then swing your legs up onto the wall as you lie back.
Adjust your position so your hips are as close to the wall as comfortable.
Rest your arms by your sides with palms facing up.
Hold for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits: Legs-up-the-wall helps reverse the effects of gravity, reducing swelling in the legs and improving blood flow back to the heart.
7. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Camel pose is a heart-opening backbend that stimulates the cardiovascular system and energises the body.
How to Practice:
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your lower back for support.
Inhale and lift your chest, gently arching your back.
Optionally, reach for your heels with your hands.
Hold for 5 breaths, then slowly come back up.
Benefits: This pose opens the chest, stimulates blood flow, and encourages a feeling of vitality.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these yoga poses into your practice this February can help combat the winter blues, improve circulation, and reignite your energy. Whether you have time for a full sequence or just a few poses, remember to move mindfully and connect with your breath. By doing so, you’ll cultivate warmth and vitality that will carry you through the final stretch of winter and into the promise of spring.
Namaste, Angela at Sussex Yoga
