Embracing the storm within: how yoga helps you handle big emotions
- BAM Therapy
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Sometimes our emotions can seem overwhelming. The mixture of stress, anxiety, and other powerful feelings can leave us feeling lost. Yoga offers effective tools for handling these emotions. By practicing yoga, we can learn to accept and understand our feelings, whether they are easy or challenging.
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Understanding emotions through yoga
Yoga invites us to connect deeply with our bodies and minds. This connection enhances our understanding of our emotional states. Each pose serves as a pathway for emotional exploration. For example, heart-opening poses like Camel can make us feel vulnerable, while stable poses like Mountain can give us a sense of grounding.
Research shows that practicing yoga can lead to a 20-30% reduction in anxiety levels. Just by tuning into our physical sensations during yoga, we start to see that emotions are not just passing feelings; they are integral parts of our human experience. This realisation is our first step toward acceptance.
The breath as a tool for regulation
Breath is a crucial aspect of yoga practice. Pranayama, or breath control, teaches us how to take charge of our breathing, which can greatly influence our emotional states. When we feel anxious or angry, our breath often becomes quick and shallow.
Breathing practices can calm our nervous system. According to studies, consistent breath regulation can lower cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress—by up to 25%. This technique allows us to create space for our emotions to settle and enables us to respond thoughtfully, rather than act on impulse.
Cultivating mindfulness and presence
Yoga inherently promotes mindfulness. As we move through various poses, we focus our attention on the present moment, letting go of distractions and negative thoughts. This practice extends beyond the mat, enabling us to observe our emotions without being overwhelmed.
By cultivating presence, we learn to acknowledge our feelings as they come—whether joy, sadness, or anger. Instead of pushing these emotions away, yoga encourages us to sit with them. This acceptance leads to greater emotional clarity and understanding.
Building emotional resilience
A consistent yoga practice can significantly improve our emotional resilience, arming us with tools to confront life's challenges. As we learn to manage our feelings on the mat, we become stronger in facing our emotions outside the studio.
Practice is key to this resilience. The more we encounter discomfort during yoga, the better we become at handling it. For instance, studies show that individuals who practice yoga regularly report a 40% increase in their ability to manage stress. This increased capacity allows us to navigate life's ups and downs more gracefully.
Accepting our emotional journey
Yoga transcends physical movement; it is a voyage toward emotional acceptance and understanding. By embracing the storm within, we can change how we live with our intense emotions, learning to navigate them confidently.
As we deepen our yoga practice, we foster a meaningful connection with ourselves, allowing us to accept our feelings. Yoga can become a powerful partner in achieving emotional wellbeing, guiding us toward a balanced and fulfilling life.
Incorporating yoga into our daily routine can lead to transformative changes. It helps manage intense emotions and builds a sense of acceptance that echoes throughout our lives. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and start your journey toward emotional empowerment today.
Learn more about clinically-informed yoga or contact Kayleigh to support you on your journey.
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