5 Yoga Poses To Put You In A Good Mood

Feeling sad? Try doing a moon salutation -- seriously.

Anecdotally, we all know yoga enthusiasts who swear that the meditative practice elevates their mood and keeps them sane amid otherwise hectic lifestyles. While the science isn't quite airtight, some studies suggest yoga can actually turn on and off genes linked to stress. Plus, the slow, focused pranayamic breathing has been shown to physiologically reinvigorate you via your autonomic nervous system.

So we consulted New York-based yoga instructor Nicole Lynne Hooley to craft a three-minute series of poses that have the potential to make you feel happier. It may not be an exact science (yet), but what do you have to lose by taking a few minutes out of your busy day to breath, stretch and try your hand at the promising practice of yoga?

Watch the video above to learn how to do these five yoga poses that can brighten your day. And don't forget to check out The Huffington Post on Vimeo for more yoga videos!

Producer: Rebecca Adams
Videographer/Editor: Amber Genuske
Art Director: Noelle Campbell
Instructor: Nicole Lynne Hooley
Music: Summer Heart