One of the lesser-known practices in yoga are mudras, or hand postures. These are not usually introduced in standard yoga classes, but offer many benefits to the mind and body. Below are some common mudra positions that can be practiced for a few minutes at a time in everyday life to help boost your mood.

1. Prana Mudra 

This mudra can be practiced by uniting the pinky finger, ring finger, and thumb on both hands. We suggest practicing in a comfortable seated position where you can close your eyes and take a few breaths focusing on the connection running between these three fingers. We recommend practicing for 2-5 minutes. This mudra stimulates energy surrounding the emotion of happiness and can help to shift your mood from an unfulfilling state of being to one of contentment. This is a great hand posture to introduce into your yoga practice if you are seeking a higher vibrational mentality that can hold space for more joy in your day-to-day. 

2. Padma Mudra

Also known as the lotus flower mudra, this posture helps to inspire calmness and internal peace within the self. To practice this hand posture, flip the palms toward the face and connect the base of wrists together, as well as the tips of the pinky fingers and the thumbs. We recommend taking a few breaths in a comfortable seated position while focusing the attention on the connection between the pinky fingers and thumbs for 2-5 minutes. This mudra will help to calm the heart space and provide calmness in the mind and body that can be utilized in everyday life. 

3. Mushti Mudra 

This mudra is best practiced during moments of anger or frustration. When you need to release this energy in the body, place your hands into fists with the thumb on the outside and take large deep breaths. Hold the focus for 2-5 minutes and then softly release. This hand posture can be practiced for everyday circumstances to help shift the mood into a more lighthearted energy. 

Hand postures are often not taught in day-to-day yoga classes, but are true hidden gems. Let us know if you try any of these out and if they helped to make a difference in your everyday mood.