In this modern era, millions of so-called ‘workaholics’ live like robots with their bodies and minds filled with stress. And yet they mostly blame their circumstances rather than themselves. If this is you, then you might have to rethink the approach you follow to live your life, otherwise you could be at a very high risk of falling seriously ill. Our brain produces many biologically active chemicals and every single thought we have subsequently has a physical consequence.

Extreme mental or physical stress has been scientifically proven to lead to immune-suppressing diseases and other health problems. Our brain produces neurochemicals that strengthen the immune system when we are happy, and the brain produces different biochemicals that can weaken the immune system when we are stressed or depressed. This stress also makes you unhappy.

Yoga is an excellent solution to release stress and stay happy and fit, especially for people like office workers who are often sedentary during the day, facing eye strain from computer use and enduring stress from a heavy workload. Yoga has the ability to enliven the mind and reduce daily stress. In other words, it has the power to make you feel refreshed. Ancient philosophers had great insight into what can make one happy, but I believe that one can only be happy when he/she chooses to stay happy by adopting optimistic and positive behavior. Be positive!

Here are some yoga poses that can increase happiness and decrease stress.

• CAT COW POSE: This pose actually moves you between two poses, stretching the spine and neck. It helps in bringing flexibility and stimulates the abdominal organs. It calms down one’s nervous system and also relaxes the mind. It releases stress by allowing the flow of positive vibes in our body. The gentle and calm movement created by this pose can increase happiness.

• WARRIOR SECOND POSE: In this pose one stretches his/her hands and legs. Put pressure on one leg and stretch the neck in the direction of that particular leg. Repeat for the other leg. This poses always brings positivity along with a lot of motivation, encouragement and willpower. It also helps with self-belief. This pose especially helps in releasing all the stress and tension of modern life, hence making you happy.

• STANDING SEAL POSE: This pose begins in a standing position with your legs 3-4 feet apart. Hold both of your hands behind you and interlock the fingers together. Gently lift the gaze up prior bringing arms in front of you. Hold the pose for 4-8 breaths. Squeeze the shoulder blades together as you inhale back to an upright position to release the pose; remember to exhale to release the arms. This helps in improving mental functioning. As metal functioning increases, one becomes less stressful and more happy and positive.

• WHEEL POSE: In this pose one is supposed to bend his/her body at an angle of 180 degrees along the spine or back with the stomach in front. We all know that our body’s functioning depends on various hormones secreted by various organs. The endorphins released during back bending help to relieve stress and therefore increase energy, bringing happiness.

• RECLINED BOUND ANGLE POSE: This pose is one of the calmest in yoga. It teaches the importance of calmness in  life along with the importance of stillness. This poses gives one a few seconds out from this busy and crazy world, allowing one to admire his/her presence on this earth and the importance of this life which is granted to us by the All-Mighty.

• WRIST AND FINGER STRETCH: This pose starts by extending your arms overhead and drawing 5-10 circles inwards and outwards with the wrists and completely interlocking your arms this way. Following this, spread the fingers and then consecutively open and close the fists. Then place your arms with your palms facing upwards in front of you. Now gently apply a small downward pressure on each palm to stretch the wrist on each side. Now switch both the palms and again stretch and hold for 5-10 breaths. This helps with better blood flow. When the blood flow in the body increases, all other systems work more effectively and efficiently. Hence, making one happy and stress-free.

I believe the mantra that to stay happy one can tell oneself to stay happy, always trying to find the solution to the problem in front of you, believing that there is nothing that you cannot do. We can stay happy as long as we choose to do so. Hence, our choice greatly affects our mood. Happiness is one’s life is very important as not only does it bring joy to life but it also helps in staying fit and healthy. Laughing Yoga is one of the best yoga techniques to relieve the stress of this modern world. We must stop trying to win the stupid rat race for power, as this causes us to neglect our happiness, which is so wrong.

Life is difficult and it always has been. So rather than being stressed about it, it is more meaningful to think of a solution with a happy mind and body. We just need to find inner peace to stay fit and happy. Always remember that happiness is something that we deserve, so one should claim it whenever one can.

Stay Happy, Stay Fit!