The next time you’ve got a big job interview or a special date you’re nervous about, and all everyone keeps saying is “just breathe,” double down on stress relief by using your breath and your body to give you the extra boost you need. Confidence is all about keeping your cool when you’re under pressure and yoga pose—in addition to improving your flexibility and balance — help you do that by teaching you to relax into a pose and use your breath when holding them becomes difficult.
Here are 9 yoga poses to improve your confidence, each with a role model to inspire you.
Mountain Pose
Inspiration: Mount Rainier. On a clear day in in Seattle, everyone stops to take in the splendor of snow-capped Mount Rainier standing tall and proud on the horizon.
How to: Stand with your feet together and your legs straight. Rotate your thighs inward and draw up through your legs, core, and spine to the top of your head. Place your hands at your sides, palms facing forward and fingers active. It may look simple but this pose helps keep you calm and is said to help clear your nervous system. The best part is that you can do it pretty much anywhere.