In today's hectic world, we are surrounded by provoking elements that can cause us to respond in anger, whether it's an annoying co-worker or a dispute at home. In general, people are able to block out these irritants or handle the situation in a calm and reasonable manner. But others have trouble controlling their anger, and in severe cases of unchecked temper, one could be sent into a violent rage over something as inconsequential as spilled milk. If you're in need of anger management, consider the benefits of yoga poses for controlling temper.
Yoga and Emotional Control
Yoga benefits the mind and body in a variety of ways. Along with increasing flexibility and improving balance, it can reduce stress, enhance the capacity to control emotion and promote mental health. The soothing postures and deep breathing exercises can help release you from the grips of tension, while the mindful meditation techniques clear the mind and help you see the world in new and clearer ways. The positive effect of yoga on anger control has even been scientifically proven.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research looked into the mental health benefits of this ancient practice, assigning secondary school students to either 11 weeks of yoga (the treatment group) or 11 weeks of physical education (the control group). The researchers found that the treatment group experienced an increase in the ability to control anger, while those who did not engage in yoga poses were more likely to exhibit more anger as the study went on.
Yoga Poses for Long-Term Anger Management
There are many ways people can learn to get a handle on their emotions. Counting to 10 or turning to a friend to vent can be helpful when fury starts to rise, but maintaining an overall calm and tranquil feeling throughout your life is a long-term process that requires dedication and practice. If you have a serious rage problem, you may want to join an anger management class and complement it with a yoga class. Sign up at your local studio and let an instructor guide you through gentle poses and breathing exercises as you learn to become a more tranquil, clear-headed person.
Meditation Techniques for Emergency Situations
As you find yourself evolving into an overall calmer person, you may still have instances where you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with rage. In these cases, you can use the tools you acquired in your yoga class to bring your anger down to a rational level. Stop what you're doing, close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, concentrating only on the here and now. Experience your emotions without judgment – resist the urge to label them as good or bad. Instead, let them flow through and out as you eschew negativity and find a place of happiness.
Success Stories
Among the many types of yoga available, Dahn Yoga is particularly helpful in the stress and anger management process. Dahn Yoga classes have a strong focus on energy awareness and relaxation, incorporating core-strengthening exercises, meridian stretches and tai chi elements as well as energy breathing and meditation. There have been many success stories, such as that of James Pesuthich. As a school teacher, Pesuthich had trouble handling stress, but Dahn Yoga helped him clear his head, feel more concentrated and control his anger.