Lakeshore Yoga

Life With Face Coverings

Now that it is mandatory to have a face covering whenever in public, here are some guidelines to relieve your mask-bound lungs and diaphragm.

Wearing a mask is now part of our daily life to minimize the spread of the ongoing pandemic. Though face coverings will not cause any major damage to your lungs, you may realize the increased stress and anxiety levels in your body due to the restraint of breath. When we’re stressed, our body’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That not only makes us more susceptible to infections but also the tightness in the body may trigger depression and further anxiety.

By opening your chest you can relieve your lungs and diaphragm as well as calm your mind. Many yoga asanas can help you in doing so.Here I have listed and demonstrated a few yoga asanas that increase the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Some of these postures can also be practiced at your work place whenever you get an opportunity to step out in open spaces and remove your mask.

Tadasana is known as the epitome of posture; which in turn bestows many benefits to your body including the tranquility of mind and the enhanced flow of oxygen. Here are some poses in the key of Tadasana that you can do when you get a “mask break” at your workplace:


Tadasana with arms in Paschima Baddhanguliyasana

Gomukhasana in Tadasana

Urdhva Hastasana in Tadasana

You can do these poses to help your respiratory system.These poses will also give you a nice stretch.

If you have extended time at home to refresh your body you can perform: 


Supta baddha Konasana

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Viparita karani

By performing these poses you will discover the true breadth of your breath! Supta baddha Konasana, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana and Viparita karani will really soothe your body as well as deeply open your chest.