No matter what form it takes, when disaster strikes it’s easy for panic, fear and anxiety to take over. You are suddenly facing significant disruption to your life, home, and even safety, and it’s all out of your control.
When your mind is in constant turmoil and your body is tight and tense, you need an outlet for your anxiety. Here are three simple yoga techniques to help keep you calm that anyone can do, and there's no equipment needed.
Breathe slowly: When you feel panic rising, simply switch your focus to breathing more slowly and deeply for three minutes. This will help lower your heart rate and your stress levels. Count your breaths if you like. By focusing intently on your breathing, you will distract your mind from worrying and induce calm.
Leg inversion: Close the door, tune into your favorite music and lie with your legs up against the wall for 10 minutes. As well as calming the nervous system and easing muscle fatigue, this simple posture will help to regain your composure. Try to get as near the wall as possible by using a bolster or blanket. Enter the pose with your body side on to the wall and then swing your legs up. Ideally, your legs should be straight; so experiment with the distance between the support and the wall until you find a position that works.
Meditation: Just five minutes of meditation will relax your body and mind. Find a space where you won’t be disturbed. You don’t have to be seated, just comfortable. Now, close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths and visualize the tension leaving your body and melting away. When thoughts enter your mind, gently acknowledge them, let them go and return to the present moment. Don’t get too focused on whether you’re doing it right. This is meditation.
The next time you feel like you are losing control, use any or all of these tools to restore calmness. Even better, why not practice them on a daily basis? That way, you will respond to any challenges in your life from a more relaxed, calm place rather than reacting with fear.
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You can also join our Facebook group Yoga for Peri/Menopause and enjoy free tips, advice, yoga sequences, classes and meet other like-minded women who are undergoing the same challenges.
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