Yoga tools to help weather an emotional storm!

Try out these YOGA tools to help weather any EMOTIONAL storm! Emotions come and go. Having a set of tools to manage the tricky ones is always helpful. Have these tools in your toolbox before emotions come up. You'll be glad that you did.

Have a MANTRA
Mantra(Sanskrit):  is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit, and  other languages believed by practitioners to have religious, magical or spiritual powers. By definition it sounds complex, but truly it's as simple as having a word or words that can keep you calm while weathering an emotional storm. Be sure to choose your mantra before emotions get heated. Having it on the tip of your tongue will serve you well.

Tap into the BREATH
The Sanskrit word for breath work within the yoga framework is pranayama. Prana translates to life force energy. The breath  is the key to life and  controlling the breath can  give  you the energy needed to weather emotional storms.   With so many variations, you can choose what style is needed at any given moment. The breath is always with you and it can be used as a very powerful method to keeping calm during trying times. Test out box breathing. Simply inhale 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale 4 counts,  and hold for 4 . Repeat.

Use YOGA
In the bigger context, yoga is so many things from breathwork to body work. For this section we'll focus in on the asanas(poses).  A fantastic "pose" for weathering an emotional storm, is "legs up the wall." Although this seems as though not much is happening, so much calm  commences within minutes.  The blood in the legs reverses flow and gives some relief to the heart.  The passive nature of this pose packs a powerful stress-relieving punch.

Make time for MEDITATION
Meditation might just be the most underrated  stress-reliever around.  Perhaps you are weathering an emotional storm with regards to where you would like to see your life go.  Try out a visualization meditation. Through all of the modern research about the brain, neuroscientists  have noted the concept of neuroplasticity. This makes it possible to trick the brain into believing you have already achieved what you are visualizing in your minds eye.  If you can see it , you can be it!

Be MINDFUL
Mindfulness is that pause between a thought and the response. It is the brain training that allows you to  be present with  whatever is. It keeps you from quickly judging a situation as good or bad. It allows you to be present in any moment without judgment.   Being mindful helps  while weather emotional storms in a way that nothing else can.  It allows you to respond without over reacting.

Catch some CARDIO 
As much as yoga can be a cardio activity, there really is nothing that can replace an activity such as running or biking  or something of that nature. These exercises elevate the heart rate. This raising of the heart rate changes the chemicals in your brain and provides clarity that can be so important in times of emotional turmoil.  Clarity comes and the chemicals also create a happier, more optimistic outlook on how to handle   tricky times.   Try heating the body up first with some cardio and then hop on the mat for some "hot" yoga.

SUNSHINE, FRESH AIR, & WALK WITH A FRIEND
There may be no better medicine for weathering an emotional storm than time with Mother Nature herself. Sunshine, fresh air and a walk with a friend  can clear up any doom and gloom that may be taking place in your mind. We already tapped into the importance of cardio. As humans, we are hardwired for storytelling. It is a way for us to connect with  others and to feel a sense of belonging. So, grab a friend and head to the nearest walking trail to spend some time in nature!