You’re at work and you just interacted with that infuriating co-worker who just dumped a mess on your desk.  You’re in a meeting and someone just insulted your work.  You’re sitting at your desk with a giant stress headache and you can’t focus.

How can yoga help you deal with these situations? 

First, just breathe. You were probably already breathing, but make it more deliberate. Try inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds. Pay attention to your breath.

You’re not always going to have time to attend a studio led class. This doesn’t mean you have to skip yoga for the day. A short home practice is a great option on those busy nights where you just can’t get out of the house.  Maybe you only have 15 minutes. Good news, that’s enough to improve your day with a short practice.

My daughter Emery was feeling a little blue this week. Kinda expected. It’s super cold outside. It’s dark early. She just started a new semester at school and she doesn’t have a roommate this semester.  There’s just a little bit less energy in her life.

Most practices, I stand at the top of the mat. I attempt to stand still but I can feel myself move subtly. I tune into the environment. I breathe. I was breathing from the start, but now I’m paying attention to it.  If I want to feel my breath more, I place one hand on my chest and the other hand on my stomach. I feel myself expand and contract with my breath.