If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed a change of perspective can really help…..sometimes it’s just a matter of literally turning things on its head.

Getting your body into an inversion pose can actually bring an overwhelming sense of calmness and clarity.

Don’t panic, we’re certainly not suggesting you cartwheel yourself straight out of bed into a handstand each morning.  (This may cause a little more calamity than clarity!!).

However, even the most basic of inversion poses have a lot of associated health benefits. 

Being upside down can help to flush the adrenal glands which stimulates the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins that help you to immediately feel uplifted and can counteract depression and mood swings.

Inversion helps to stimulate lymphatic cleansing and drainage which clears toxins from the tissues. This plays a vital role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the immune system.

When your feet are higher than your head it can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, this produces feelings of relaxation and calmness. 

Other benefits are:

• Increases blood circulation to the brain resulting in improved concentration, memory and awareness.

• Aids digestion

• Reduces water retention

• Strengthens core muscles

Try starting by laying on the floor with your feet against the wall (either with your knees at a right angle or your legs straight upwards so your bottom is against the wall – whichever is most comfortable) Try just a few minutes to start and then build up each day.You could then progress to some of the inversion yoga poses such as downward dog, bridge, and dolphin. 

If you are attempting the headstand or handstand please start against the wall and be VERY careful. Make sure you always have another person with you for support / to catch you!We’d love to hear if this helps to turn a frown upside down!