We’ve all had these kinds of days — your inbox is a disaster, you were cut off in traffic, again. And, your cat? Well, he just pushed your water off the countertop. Now, you have glass all over the kitchen floor. You’re simmering inside. How can you keep it together when everything is just too much? Yoga is the answer. No, it won’t solve all your problems. But it will ground you, so you feel a little calmer and can (hopefully) get on with your day.
At Ignite Yoga in Dayton, we understand. That’s why we have created grounding practices for those times when you are seething at everyone, even your cat. These calming yoga poses can give you the space to relax and process those emotions.
Why do yoga when you are seething?
When you are angry, your mind feels it, but so does your body. Your jaw tenses, your fists clench, and your stomach might even flutter. Studies show that yoga helps calm the nervous system—lowering blood pressure, stress hormones, and heart rate. Yoga does this through the use of intentional movement and mindful breathing.
A quick yoga sequence for anger and resentment
Here’s a quick yoga practice that you can do anywhere. Try these six calming yoga poses the next time your cat pushes you over the edge.
- Cat-cow – Come to your hands and knees. Inhale, and drop your belly. Then, exhale your irritation and round your spine towards the ceiling (just like your cat does). The movement should be slow and rhythmic.
- Seated twist – Sit tall and ground your sit bones. Lengthen your spine, and gently twist. Exhale bitterness and resentment with each breath.
- Forward fold – Stand and fold forward at the hips. Drop your head towards the floor. Let all of that irritation and anger roll off you towards the floor.
- Low lunge with lion’s breath – Step one foot forward and sink your hips. Let out a “Roar” and exhale with your tongue out. Yes, your cat will stare! That’s okay. Let him.
- Child’s pose – Sit down on your mat. Bring your knees wide. Then, fall forehead to the mat. Let your arms stretch out forward. Imagine melting into the floor and releasing all of that tension.
- Savasana with hand on heart – Lie down on your mat. Rest your hand on your heart. Forgive the world (and your cat).
Come as you are—we mean it
At Ignite Yoga, we invite you to come as you are. We are here to support you with calming yoga poses that ground you. You don’t need to fix yourself, you just need to show up. Our Zen and Meditate classes are perfect for those times when you’re feeling irritated and frayed at the edges. Enjoy movement, breath, and community that meets you where you’re at.
Ready to reclaim your peace (and maybe call a truce with your cat)?
Explore our class schedule and book your grounding yoga session today.
