12-Minute Yoga Practice to Dissolve Your Anxious Thoughts

"Practicing yoga for anxiety is a balance of sitting with the accompanying emotions and moving just enough to allow new energy to flow through you. Yoga teacher Taylor Lorenz understands this. In just over 10 minutes, she moves you through calming cycles of Cat and Cow, some gently challenging seated postures, and a reinvigorating breathwork exercise, each easing anxiety while welcoming a more grounded sense of spirit."

"Begin seated in Kneeling, or Thunderbolt Pose. You can sit back on your heels or place a block or cushion between your heels and rest on that for support. If this feels uncomfortable, come to any seated position that works for you. Wrist Circles Interlace your fingers in front of you and start to make figure 8s or circles with your wrists. Close your eyes or soften your gaze and begin to deepen your breath. Stay here for 6 breath cycles."

A 12-minute practice uses seated poses, Cat-Cow cycles, and breathwork to ease anxiety and cultivate grounding. A block, bolster, pillow, or rolled-up sweatshirt can provide support and modification. The flow begins in Thunderbolt Pose with options to sit back on the heels or in any comfortable seated position. Wrist circles with deepened breathing follow to calm the nervous system. Crossed-leg Cow and Cat poses alternate for three breath cycles. Cow Face Pose offers a deeper stretch with a modification to extend one leg if needed. The sequence encourages staying in poses as long as feels grounding.

Read at Yoga Journal