Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash
Some people adore inversions while others abhor the very thought of not being right side up. As we leave childhood, the upside down appeal seems to dissolve and we no longer appreciate that rush of blood to the brain. Us adults are much more interested having our feet firmly planted on the ground.
Do you remember watching television upside down when you were a child with your legs up the back of the sofa and your head dangling toward the floor? Or perhaps you liked to swing from your legs on the monkey bars and let your mind wonder as you looked around the playground from an upside down perspective? As adults, we can still benefit from being upside down and by making an effort to do so, you will hopefully find yourself in a jolly mood more often than not and perhaps re-experience that childlike wonder from time to time.
No, I’m not suggesting you go to your local park and frighten the children by taking over their turf, nor do you need to go to a Cirque du Soleil workshop and take up acrobatics. Instead, try a traditional Yoga class where your teacher will guide you through some inversion poses. A good teacher will offer poses modified for various levels from beginner to advanced so don’t worry about balancing on your head, hands-free; there are inversions for all levels. Here are a few benefits of spending some time looking at the world while upside down:
-Increased blood flow to the pituitary and pineal glands which means better brain health
-Strengthens the immune system
-Lightens mood
-Stimulates the thyroid gland
-Improves posture
-Makes you feel like a kid again (this one is my personal opinion)
What are some of your favourite inversions?