We all have them…
…stormy moments.
Those situations in life that bring our anger and anxiety to the surface for us to observe (but not react to, of course).
And as I sit here and write these words, I’ll admit that I too know exactly how it feels to stand in the middle of one of life’s shitstorms.
It could take on any shape and happen at any time.
Your boss might be a jackass…
Perhaps your kids aren’t taking you seriously.
The bills may show up way before the money to pay them becomes available…
…and on the way to that yucky job you’re forced to keep just so you could afford to put some fast food on the table, someone did something silly on the highway, and from the mass of cars touching one another’s bumpers for miles to come – it looks like you’ll be sitting there for a while.
So when this happens, how do we deal?
Well, if you’re anything like I was a while ago, you probably bang your fists on the steering wheel, tossΒ a LOT of profanity around and throw an all out hissy fit because this life of yours has proven to be a lot of work with very little reward.
However, you and I both know this isn’t the way to handle adversity. This is because we know that underneath it all, we do have the option to choose a response to life’s difficulties – even though doing so can be challenging at first.
The Role of Acceptance
Acceptance is one of those things that leads to a feeling of calmness.
It isn’t submitting to victimization, but instead, it’s seeing what’s taking place in front of you, observing your feelings about it, deciding how you would like to see things play out in the big picture and taking action from this expanded sense of awareness.
When life becomes chaotic, for whatever reason, it helps to take a moment and choose to remain calm.
Instead of feeling powerless, we allow our adrenaline to subside long enough to finally chill out and craft up a deliberate response to the obstacles we face.
There are tools available to help us with this.
The purpose of this article is to share one of these techniques with you today.
The Benefits of Yoga
One of the many benefits of Yoga includes practicing balance and stillness. While Yoga certainly offers us a lot of physical advantages, the truth is, there are certain Yoga poses that can be done while in the midst of a stressful situation to help induce the feelings of calmness necessary to remove (or at least minimize) anxiety.
Everyone knows it’s best to deal with a problem from a calm and deliberate place – especially since doing so can often transform a catastrophe into a gift.
So with this being said,Β the following Yoga poses are designed to offer you a sense of stillness in an effort to help you deal with life’s stormy moments.
Now while these poses may not be suitable to practice in your car or in public…you can make it a point to remember to try them as soon as you can in an environment that will offer you some space.
Do this often enough and you’ll reap the rewards of knowing how to calm your mind – even when you can’t physically demonstrate the poses.
Lastly, if you have any physical limitations that do not allow you to practice one or more of these poses, don’t force it – but do what you can and practice one that may be more suitable for you.
More often than not, it’s the act of removing yourself mentally and emotionally from a situation that can provide the distance necessary to offer some perspective.
I happen to love Child’s Pose, Legs Up the Wall Pose, Bridge Pose and Extended Triangle Pose.
Yoga is wonderful for the reason’s I’ve described above – but in addition to that, the physical benefits of stretching your muscles and opening up your joints can simply make your overall movement in life easier, more functional and fluid.
The next time you find yourself in the middle of a stressful situation, give these a try.
13 Calming Yoga Poses for Life’s Stormy Moments (Infographic)
“Calming Yoga Poses for Stress Relief” on Health Perch
If you decide to try any of these out, I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Yoga is a wonderful practice – and suitable for anyone regardless of your level of fitness or ability.
For more information about how Yoga can help to relieve stress and anxiety, check out this articleΒ written by Lace Blue-Mclean – a well-qualified instructor who takes her practice seriously.
Have you practiced Yoga for stress relief?
Featured image courtesy of sapphire_penguin
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kungfu says
Fantastic infographic! I practice Kung Fu, Qi Gong and Yoga, can I ask you what type of Yoga do you study?
Dana says
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. π
I don’t practice any specific type of Yoga – more general poses, especially for stretching.
But I DO practice a specific form of Martial Arts – Kajukenbo to be exact.
Nataly Auger says
Hi Dana,
I just started taking yoga classes a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! It really helps me relax and be more at peace with myself. I can’t understand why I didn’t try it before! And just like you said, it’s great to stretch the muscles.
Thanks for this great post! Have a great weekend! π
Dana Gore says
Hi Nataly,
It’s so cool you’ve decided to give Yoga a try.
I love the fact that there are different ways to benefit from this practice. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner – or if there’s an underlying medical condition at play, there is still something for everyone.
Stress wreaks havoc on the body. It’s meant to protect us in life threatening situations. But if it’s a chronic condition, it’s quite harmful.
These poses encourage us to stop and take a moment to become present and let go of the things causing us distress.
Glad you found this useful Nataly. Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend π
Vee N Ric says
Hi Dana.
How are you doing ?
Totally agree with you,
In the blogosphere
Surely Adrienne must rank
Amongst the top 5.
For a number of reasons.
She is a role model
For anyone wanting to be
Successful at blogging.
Thanks for sharing
This wonderful post.
Regards
Dana Gore says
Hey There Vee N Ric,
I have no idea how this happened, but I think you were trying to comment on Adrienne’s post, not this one.
Hmmm…
But I agree, she’s a very inspiring person with a wonderful message to share. Definitely a leader π
Shann says
I love this infographic! Yoga definitely calms me. I’ve tried a lot, but not all of these poses. I’m pinning so I can try them all. Thank you.
Dana Gore says
Hey Shann,
I love pinning ideas for future reference.
I love the poses too – especially Child’s pose for that calming effect.
Let me know how it goes π
Cynthia says
Thanks for this easy guide! I am a yoga ignorant and this makes it seem so much less intimidating. In fact, downright enjoyable!
Dana Gore says
Hi Cynthia,
I think these poses can help anyone feel more comfortable easing into a Yoga practice. There are so many wonderful programs and instructors out there. You can find a style that fits your own specific needs.
Best of luck. Let me know hoe it goes π
Sandy Mangis says
This is just what I needed today. Yoga is so good for your body and soul. thank you for sharing to get my year off right.
Dana Gore says
Hi Sandy,
My pleasure. I hope you get some fantastic benefits out of this.
I see Yoga being promoted as a fad so often. The truth is, this is an ancient practice that combines physical benefits with philosophical wisdom.
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
LOVE this! My 3 year old loves to do yoga poses and always asks me what they are called. Well shame on me for just trying to get my exercise on while I am at yoga class and not remembering exactly what each position is called. Now I can show this to her and tell her they have real names instead of the ones I made up! hehehee!!
Dana Gore says
Hi Christine,
Well I’m sure the names you came up with were entertaining π
This guide will help you bring some of the poses you enjoy in your class home with you to practice on your own for those moments that require stillness.
When I spend 10-20 minutes doing stuff like this, I feel so invigorated afterward. It’s like I’ve been renewed – if that makes sense.
Rachel says
Hey Dana,
Thanks for the reminder about yoga. I haven’t done it in a while. Before I experienced the benefits of yoga I dismissed it as a lazy work out. I could not believe experts would want their name attached to such a lame way to go about fitness. That was many moons ago. So when I did my first class, of course I did not do the beginners, it was either intermediate or experienced. I was sweating, panting and hurting in places I did not know there were muscles. I formed a great respect for yoga probably within the first twenty minutes.
While I have been off and on I do really love what it does and the strength it brings on physically and mentally. I struggle with the bridge pose. I never know if I am over doing it or under doing and the seconds of keeping my body in that position are always a strain but I do it because my back loves it. I use the standing forward bend after walks. I have been known to get to the library and do my warm down exercises. It’s necessary after a 40 minute walk.
I don’t know what it is about the childs pose, but it is does things and makes me feel relaxed or calm, I can’t quite put a name to it. I do love most of the poses. I am more inclined to complain about the amount of time one should stay in the pose, that tests me. Dana great post. I will be back into yoga within the week. Thank you.
Rachel
Dana Gore says
Hi Rachel,
I can understand what you mean when you say “lazy workout”.
That is – until you take a class.
Some programs are meant for relaxation…but there are others that can kick your ass (in a good way).
I know several Yoga instructors and they all focus on their own style and practice. They’re all in fantastic shape though and their outlook on life is one that includes calmness and wisdom.
I ALWAYS recommend doing some research and asking questions about which type of Yoga program would be right for the individual looking to get started. You see Yoga being promoted in a way that makes it seem like a fad (for weight loss, etc) – but in reality, this practice goes way back and offers benefits that extend beyond physical benefits.
I like Child’s pose as well. But I’ll mention this: if someone has knee problems/injuries or if there are varicose veins present – I would check with the doctor to see if this might not be suitable.
As far as Bridge pose…it’s an excellent way to open up your hips – which tend to tighten up over time due to extended periods of sitting.
I’m not a Yoga instructor, so I won’t give any specific advice on poses. I have seen some fantastic videos on youtube, however, and you might find some good instruction there. You can also check out a class in your area – just make sure the instructor is well-qualified.
With ANY fitness program, discernment is required. So is safety.
If you get back into this, let me know how it goes π
Larry Rivera says
Hi Dana, great article. My buddy does Yoga in conjunction with Taichi and she said she has seen amazing results in her energy levels. Usually she does Yoga first followed up with some Qigong and Taichi it’s like a one two punch.
I love your info graphics very easy to follow and understand thanks for sharing.
Dana Gore says
Hi Larry,
That sounds like an awesome program.
I have only taken one Tai Chi class – and I was so uncoordinated (this was a couple of decades ago) – but I’d love to try it again.
I’ve heard such wonderful things about it.
I’m glad you liked the infographic. It certainly helps to get the visual and the description in one cohesive image.
Thanks for stopping by π
Corina Ramos says
Hi Dana,
Thanks so much for sharing this. It’s been hectic at home so this comes at a great time for me. I think I can do them all except the Eagle Pose. I can so see myself falling over, hehe. π
I can’t remember why I stopped doing Yoga in the first place, it was a great way to start my day. Thanks for the reminder!
Cori
Dana Gore says
Hey Cori,
Happy to share this.
I know we can all use a reminder to stop and take some time out to practice stillness. I like the poses because when we become physically involved in an act of quieting the mind, it’s more effective.
Maybe this will get you started in your practice again. Even just doing some of these poses will get you in a great space.
I haven’t tried Eagle pose, but now that you’ve mentioned it, I think I’d like to challenge myself…LOL
I’ll let you know how that goes π
Brenda Pace says
Hey Dana!
I’m so glad you are talking about yoga poses because I really need to get in on this! I’m not sure my body can perform all those poses but heck, it will be fun trying, right?
Yoga and meditating have to be the “go to” in my 2016. Thanks again for sharing the inspiration and extra push I need to get me going!
Happy Monday, girly!
Brenda
Dana Gore says
Hey Bren,
Oh good – I’m glad this came in handy π
Yep – some of these will require some practice, so start with what you can do realistically and go from there.
Not everyone can do every pose. Listen to your body and if there’s a position that doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
If you try any of these out, let me know how it goes.