Hey Friend,

How are you? Are your insides as rattled as mine are? MEH! Like, enough already world, am I right?!

One of my regular group yoga students asked if I would write about a few ways I use the teachings of yoga to calm down. She's noticed that every Sunday evening her anxiety spikes in anticipation of the week ahead. Since I suspect she is not alone, her wish is granted and I'm sharing it with all of you. {Thanks for the easy blog idea, Jenny!}

And before you have a hissy fit that you're not flexible, strong, or "woo woo" enough to do yoga, press pause. Take a breath. Where are those limiting beliefs sitting in your body? Are they really true?

I invite you to give this yoga practice a go, especially if your anxiety has ticked upward. Carve out 10-15 minutes to find your calm. As a gift for playing, you might receive more ease in your day or even enjoy sounder sleep! {If you have a current injury or illness that contraindicates positioning your body in any of the ways suggested below, please do not do those poses.}

1. To start, come to a comfortable seat. Gently close your eyes. Let your hands rest softly on your lap. Notice your breath. Then see if you can shift to breathing in for a count of 4 and out for a count of 6. Lengthened exhalations soothe the nervous system quickly. Continue for up to 5 minutes.

2. While sitting on the floor, spread your legs comfortably wide and fold forward, bringing your head to rest atop a few yoga blocks or books. A folded blanket underneath the sitting bones is a nice idea. Another great way to reap the relaxing benefits of a forward fold with less strain on the body is to rest your arms on a chair. Come back to the 4 count inhale/6 count exhale breath. Sit for up to 5 minutes.

3. To close your practice, lay on the floor and elevate your legs against a wall, sofa, or padded chair. This will drain lymph from your legs and helps your leg bones settle more naturally into the hip sockets. Can you breathe in for 4 and out for 6 here? Rest for 5 minutes (or more).

If you've been gnawing on worry (as I have) or are simply sick and tired of being at home (and ready to devour your young), I hope you'll savor even one part of this mini anxiety-busting practice.

Let me know how this message and practice land for you!

I see you and I love you,

Jennifer