How many times have you misplaced your keys, shown up to an event only to realize you forgot something important, or rushed through your day without a moment to breathe? Have you ever missed a meal, left your phone behind, or felt scattered from the demands of daily life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to get grounded. Yoga, practiced alongside its sister science Ayurveda, offers a powerful way to reconnect with yourself. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of healing that views the world through the lens of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Throughout our busy lives, we often find ourselves immersed in the air element, which has the qualities of being dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, and mobile. It’s no wonder we sometimes feel ungrounded! The physical yoga practice (asana) provides an accessible way to find balance, both mentally and physically.

Some of my favorite asanas for bringing strength and stability to the body and mind are: Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold), Anjaneyasana Variation (Low Lunge Variation), and Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall).

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)

Uttanasana helps ground the body, calm the mind, and provides a great stretch for the backs of the legs, spine, and neck.

How To:

Stand with your feet hip-distance apart.
Bend your knees slightly as you fold forward over your legs.
Release your hands to the ground or let them dangle if your hands don’t touch. You may also hold opposite elbows.
If you have tight hamstrings or a tight lower back, bend your knees more deeply while keeping most of the weight in your heels.
As you breathe in, relax your shoulders away from your ears. As you breathe out, draw your navel in and up, allowing your chest to come closer to your thighs.

Anjaneyasana Variation (Low Lunge Variation)

A low lunge creates space between the hips and thighs, areas that often hold tension. By keeping your hands on the ground, you can find more grounding and stability in the pose.

How To:

Start in a low lunge with your back knee down. Place a blanket or towel under your knee if you need extra support.
Gently move your hips forward, creating length through the top of your thigh.
Release your armpit onto your front knee if possible and walk your hands forward.
Relax your jaw and breathe deeply as you gaze past your front foot.
On your inhale, lengthen your spine. On your exhale, keep relaxing your jaw and softening your body.

Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall)

This pose encourages deep relaxation, improves circulation, reduces swelling in the legs and feet, eases headaches, and promotes better sleep. It's a perfect pose to practice at the end of the day or any time you need to reset.

How To:

Find a wall and bring your hips close to it, about a fist’s distance away.
Lie on your back and gently lift your legs up the wall.
Open your arms into a "T" shape or place your hands on your lower belly.
Close your eyes and as you breathe in, relax your jaw. As you breathe out, let your lips part and extend the exhale longer than your inhale.

By incorporating these grounding poses into your daily routine, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs with calmness and strength.

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