Yesterday my mood was pretty negative. I let work emails stress me out and I started worrying over things I had to do and deadlines. I felt cranky and was short with my parents when they called (sorry, mom and dad). Maybe it was the stir craziness from being trapped inside all day (spring, where are you?) but I let the frustration takeover.
I knew that I needed to move my body because I sat in my bed all day, working on my laptop, aside from getting up to go to the fridge haha. I did a HIIT workout, which was challenging, but I did it and felt a little better. Then I turned on my yoga playlist; you can read about how important music is to my practice here. Once the music came on, I tuned into my body and let myself flow without any thought. I took slow, gentle movements, and stretched with my breath. I only spent about 20 minutes on my mat — no crazy postures, no intense vinyasa, just slow, gentle movements. I ended my practice by meditating with legs up the wall. After those 20 minutes, I felt like a completely different person.
My frustration and stress had completely melted away. I felt at peace and grounded. I felt love for myself and calm in my thoughts. My breath had greatly slowed down, my shoulders relaxed down my back and I felt lighter. I’m happy to admit that this wasn’t a one time thing. Whenever I step on my mat, no matter how I feel — sad, stressed, frustrated, drained, happy, my yoga practice makes my day so much better. Yoga wipes away my negative thoughts and allows me to completely surrender from my day. I feel like I have a fresh canvas to paint my day with. My practice allows me to see things for how they are without projecting my negative mind sight onto situations.
No matter what the practice — heated, unheated, long, short, challenging or gentle, I walk away feeling steady and peaceful. I’m not shy about how much I love yoga, but I cannot stress the lightness and stress relief it has brought into my life enough. It has become like medicine to my anxiety, as I no longer feel weighed down by the thoughts in my mind. Whatever your mood — heartbroken, frustrated, lost, joyful, yoga is there for you at any time. Yoga doesn’t have to look a certain way, just trust yourself to step onto your mat, move in a way that feels good and breathe. Give yourself the space and time you need to slow down and your mood will transform.
Happy practicing, friends.
x,
Morgan