What do we do with the mad that we feel?

What do we do with the mad, overwhelmed, frustration that we feel?

What tools can help us find a better place?

This is not something most of us were taught as children and I find that there are never enough healthy tools to manage big emotions somedays as an adult.

Experiencing big emotions is part of being human yet it can be hard to find compassion for self and others when they overtake our bodies and/or minds.

Research has proven that yoga and mindfulness help us move from our amygdala (fight-or-flight response) to our prefrontal cortex (regulating emotions and problem-solving) so that we are able to think more clearly and make good choices.

The list below targets body and mind and are accessible without special props.

Squeeze fists

Interlace fingers to join hands together. Squeeze as hard as you can for 5 seconds- take a huge breath in and as you exhale release the hands. Feel free to shake them out after- as if to shake out the anger from the body.

Lions Breath

Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale as you open your mouth, and stick out your tongue. If feeling extra, let out a big roar.

Seed Pose 

Seated, hug knees into the chest. Allow the chin to drop toward the chest. Give the body a big hug and say something nice to yourself or use an affirmation. “I am brave” “I am kind.”

Getting big emotions out of the body can help elevate some tension that might get stored up.

Yoga and mindfulness provide excellent tools to help little and big people navigate emotions together.

Keep the resources you need close for the more challenging times. A note on your mirror using a dry erase marker, a sticky note on your car visor, love from a friend, whatever you need for a quick reminder that you are whole, needed, and enough.