Headstand, or Sirsasana, is often referred to as the “King of all asanas”… and rightfully so. It requires both physical and mental preparation to practice this inversion. Getting upside down can be a scary experience! The fear of falling, the fear of failing, the fear of the unknown, all come into play. Once you get over the initial fear though, the practice of inverting will offer new perspective and many benefits. Here are my top five reasons why I love to flip upside down every day.

If you’re a newbie to headstands, no worries! Check out the beginner’s guide to getting into a headstand here.

#1: Increases Blood Flow to the Head

Getting upside down reverses the flow of blood from the heart, giving your heart a much needed break. Blood is able to flow more easily to your brain including the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These two glands play a vital role in your mental and physical well-being, and regulate all other glands in your body. They also regulate sex hormones, so daily headstands can improve your sex life!

#2: Fountain of Youth

Added blood flow to your head also means added blood flow to your scalp and face. These added nutrients can possibly delay the onset of gray hairs and also give you an instant face lift by reversing gravity. Who needs botox and hair dye when you can just invert every day!

#3: Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

The pituitary gland located at the base of your brain controls the release of endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive, happy feeling in your body. The extra blood flow to this gland, helps to release more endorphins, thus making you a happier person. It also helps to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. You cannot help but smile while upside down!

#4: Tones and Strengthens

Headstands are a FULL BODY exercise. You use every single muscle in your body in order to get into a headstand! Doing a headstand every day will strengthen every muscle in your neck, arms, shoulders, back, abdominals and legs.

#5: Become the Life of the Party!

Headstands are just plain fun to do and there’s nothing wrong with that! Bust them out at parties or in the park! Your friends and family will be impressed!

As always though…practice mindfully and honor your body! Have fun and laugh lots!