Yoga to Calm You Down
At some point or another any of us have reached a tipping point. If left unchecked, it can turn into an uncontrollable surge of so many different feelings and emotions. so much that the word “overwhelm” takes on a whole new meaning.
With the modern day rush, tending to the state of our well-being can fall on the back burner.
But these yoga teacher training tips can help us stay connected to ourselves and our loved ones. It can also be helpful at keeping ourselves aligned.
Quell the Storm
Mostly, there is a trigger that sparks the spiral of anxiety. Know your triggers, and take care of your hormones and the volatility that can sometimes come with it, assuaged by good self care. Get really good at noticing when you begin to feel anxious, and nip it in the bud by staying in the present. Tell yourself, “I have a million things to do, but right now I’m (fill in the blank) and go on.”
Start Moving
Practice pausing before reacting. Counting to 10 can change everything, really. Take time to regain focus, realign yourself and fully replenish your body with breath and movement. You don’t need an hour, a mere 10 minutes is enough to skip, run, or a session of sun salutations.
Make use of the Right Brain
Creativity offers not only a venue to release energy but also a deep sense of connection and vitality while also ground us. Do whatever that fires you up: singing, drawing, cooking – anything that uses up the energy of creativity. Whilst you’re doing it, the energy will nourish you, calm and inspire you.
Get in Touch with Nature
Go outside, take your shoes off and relish the deep sense of soft ground under your feet. Plant your feet on the earth and feel a deep sense of connection and support. Allow the energy from the ground to permeate your bones, your tissues and surge through your whole body. Sit down and find a comfortable cross-legged position or sit in a chair if that’s what is available to you.
Assume the Chakra
Place your hands on your knees or thighs, inhale in the energy as you rock forward and down onto your shin bones. Exhale bringing the breath as you bring your crown to the root making a C curve in the spine; draw your navel into the back body as you rock back onto the shin bones. Continue to breathe, rock and rise for as long as you can. This will be deeply realigning and grounding.
Expose the World
Stand outside again, in barefoot on the earth if possible. Soften the periphery of your eyes, taking in a wider view. Open up all your senses similarly, pay attention to the sounds around you, plant your feet solidly on the ground, feel the breeze caress the nostrils, to the tops of the lungs, notice your breath go out. Take in everything around you, feel connected to the whole, the one breath that breathes us all!
Scoop up the Energy
Stand with legs wide and toes pointed out, taking up space. Bring your palms to the level of your hips facing up and scoop the energy from the earth upwards to the head and back down. Do the same thing with the arms wide, literally pulling the energy in from around you, beneath you, above you and draw it into your body. Chant your favourite yoga teacher training mantra while you do that.