Shaking off Fatigue with Mudras

Positioning

Sit upright in a chair or on the floor. Keep your spine long and your shoulders relaxed. You will be working with both hands, so rest them comfortably on your thighs between holds.

Steps

1. 1

   Prana Mudra — Awakening Life Force

   Touch the tips of your ring finger and little finger to the tip of your thumb on each hand. Keep the index and middle fingers extended and relaxed. Hold this mudra with both hands simultaneously. Rest the backs of your hands on your thighs. Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Hold for 4 to 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Notice the Shift

   After 4 minutes, pause and observe. Many people notice a gentle warmth or tingling in the hands, a lightening of the chest, or increased alertness. This mudra activates Prana — the subtle life force — and is particularly effective when energy feels depleted or heavy.

3. 3

   Apana Mudra — Clearing and Release

   Now touch the tips of your middle finger and ring finger to the tip of your thumb on each hand. Extend the index and little fingers. Hold this mudra with both hands resting on your thighs. Breathe slowly and deeply. Hold for 4 to 5 minutes. Apana governs the downward-moving energy of elimination and release — clearing fatigue from the lower body.

4. 4

   Integration Breath

   Release the mudra and place both palms face-down on your thighs. Take three deep breaths, feeling the contact of your palms on your legs. Imagine any remaining tiredness draining down through your legs and feet into the earth.