Yoga Poses to Help You Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

Reader Contribution by Bipin Baloni
Published on July 9, 2019
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People often compromise their happiness due to their comfort zone. They compromise relationships and career, which no longer make them happy, because they are not ready to face the fear of the unknown and unexpected events. Attachment is great, but clinginess is not. When you no longer work to discover your potential, no personnel developments occur, and you’ll remain at the same place forever. The same goes for yoga. If you’re practicing basic poses for a long time, you’re already in a comfort zone, it’s time to get out of it and find enormous benefits from yoga. Here are some yoga poses that are highly beneficial for you to start with something new. Keep reading to find out how.

Vrschikasana (Scorpion Pose)

This pose resembles the stance of the scorpion. This pose is a part of Ashtanga yoga asana and enough challenging to push you out from your comfort zone. It is recommended to practice this asana in the morning, on empty stomach, and try holding it as long as you can.

How to:

  • Lie down on the floor on your hands with kneeling knees.
  • Hold your opposite elbow while dropping your forearms to the ground. Make sure your arms are shoulder distance apart.
  • Once you are in a comfortable position, make sure your forearms are parallel to each other. Slightly lift your hips and come in the dolphin position.
  • Try to walk towards your elbow as close as you can.
  • After that, gently lift the right leg towards the sky.
  • Gradually lift your left leg and after that, both the legs off the ground.
  • Make sure your toes are pointed outside when you lift your legs and feet together.
  • Start raising your toes towards your head and stretch your chest forward from your arms.
  • Hold this pose for at least three breaths. You may take support from the wall until you get comfortable with it.

Precautions

  • If you just starting out with such advanced poses, it is always a good idea to learn under the guidance of a professional teacher.
  • If there are any back or hip problems, avoid this pose.
  • If you suffer from vertigo or high blood pressure, do not practice this pose.

Pincha Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

This asana got its name from the beautiful peacock as this asana looks great, but is tough to perform. This is an Ashtanga yoga asana. The best time to perform it is in the morning. You may hold this pose for 1 to 5 minutes. This pose improves the strength of your upper back and arms. You may not feel comfortable in the start; you can try this pose with yoga props for advancement.

How to:

  • Lie down on your stomach by facing the wall.
  • Slightly bend your elbows under your shoulders, and bring your arms in Anjali mudra.
  • Lift your hips up. Move towards your arms as close as you can get.
  • Kick up the other leg from the ground as you raise your right leg as much as you can. This action will help you to push your lower body off the floor and allow your foot to touch the wall.
  • Hold this pose for a few seconds.

Precautions:

  • Make sure your shoulders are away from your ears
  • Try touching your thumb to your third eye while your palms are still in Anjali mudra.
  • Try to touch the wall or your feet may be perpendicular to the ground
  • If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, or any heart condition do avoid this pose.

Photo by madison lavern on Unsplash

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon Pose)

This asana is also known as king pigeon pose. You can practice in the seated position. This is a backend pose that makes your chest puff up. That is why it resembles a pigeon. This pose comes under Vinyasa yoga asana. You can hold this pose for 30 to 40 seconds. It’s better if you practice this pose in the morning with an empty stomach. This pose helps in treating urinary disorders. This pose is a little bit tough and not for beginners so if you want to try something out of the blue, you may go for yoga teacher training in India for the advancement in your level.

How to:

  • Place your knees under your hips and your arms little ahead of your shoulder.
  • After that gently slide your knees forward and such as they are behind your wrist. Along with it place your shin under your trunk and fetch your right foot in front of your left knee. Make sure your right shin rests on the floor.
  • Gradually slide your left leg to the back. Keep straight your knee and place the front of your thigh to the floor. Lower the right side of your buttock on the floor. Place your right heels in the upfront of your left hip.
  • Place your right hip align with the hip.
  • Make sure you extend your left leg straight out the hip in the left angle. After that, rotate it in such a way that its midline pressed against the floor. Inhale a deep breath and as you exhale bend your left leg at the knees. Try touching the floor with the help of your head while pushing your torso back as much as you can.
  • Gently lift your arms and fold them at your elbow. Bring your foot towards your head with the help of your hands.
  • Try maintaining the upright position of your pelvis. After that, lift the lower rims of the rib cage with the pressure.
  • Try holding this pose for at least a minute. After that, gradually release this pose.

Precautions:

  • This pose is not for beginners so if you’re already a practitioner and looking forward to getting out from your comfort zone: you should try this pose.
  • If you have knee or ankle related injuries, avoid performing this pose.
  • This asana is an advanced level pose and not recommended for pregnant women.

Bipin Baloni is a yoga teacher from India and his core specialization is in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. Bipin Baloni conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India and Yoga Retreats in Thailand. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Health.

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