The 5 yoga moves that give you energy

Practicing yoga such as this "warrior" pose helps one to ooze out the natural power in the body. [Photo provided to China Daily]

CHICAGO－Feeling a little run-down? Take a yoga break and boost your energy with the moves from Dana Trixie Flynn, the founder, director and instructor at Laughing Lotus. Grab a yoga mat and get ready to awaken your inner soul.

It's time to change your mood and your mindset.

"I'm a big believer that words can change your mood and energy quickly, as can clapping, which awakens the heart and energizes your body," Flynn says.

"By allowing your lungs to expand, and get extra oxygen into your blood and into the body, it can be a game changer in your day－and life."

Below are a few of Flynn's favorite yoga poses to recharge both the body and mind. Skip the coffee, and try her poses instead.

Wild warrior

1. Inhale the arms wide open parallel to the floor, exhale.

2. Clap the hands together and repeat. Inhale to open, then exhale and clap.

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1. Take a wide stance with knees bent. Flex your (spiritual) muscles.

2. Straighten your legs and cross your heart with your arms.

3. Fly your arms high in the air and find a rhythm on your breath with the movement and mantra.

Thunderbolt twists

1. Inhale standing tall.

2. Exhale bend your knees into chair pose and prayer your hands to the right.

3. Inhale up to stand with long legs.

4. Repeat to the left side, hands in namaste (greetings).

5. Pick up the rhythm to a comfortable pace.

Magic takes guts

1. Drop into a squat, lift your heels if that helps and clap your hands together.

2. Throw your arms open to the side.

3. Breathe the hands back into a prayer.

4. Repeat to the other side. It takes guts to keep showing up, and never give up. Each time you practice, you step into the magic.

5. Feel the breath and movement get bigger and possibly faster as you open your shoulders and the life force (prana) uplifts you.

Chanting or singing adds energy because you are using your breath/life force.

Breath of joy

1. Sitting cross-legged, inhale your arms open.

2. Exhale and fold into yourself.

Move at your own pace. If you speed up the breath, the moment will flow more quickly or you can enjoy slow and deep breaths.