"Yoga for the Overthinker"

Last night, I lay awake at 2 a.m., my mind racing like a hamster wheel. Did I send that email? What if the workshop flops? Why did I say that thing in 2017? Sound familiar?

I dragged myself to my mat this morning, not for a perfect flow, but for one thing: permission to stop. To breathe. To let my thoughts drift by like clouds instead of grabbing onto each one.

If your brain feels like a browser with 100 tabs open, this newsletter is your gentle reminder: You don’t have to fix everything today. Let’s untangle the chaos together."

"When Thoughts Feel Like Thunder"

"Overthinking isn’t a flaw—it’s your mind trying to protect you.
But when the ‘what-ifs’ drown out the present, try this:

🌟 The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique:

• 5 things you see (e.g., your mat, a plant, sunlight).

• 4 things you feel (e.g., your feet on the floor, your breath).

• 3 things you hear (e.g., birds, distant traffic).

• 2 things you smell (e.g., tea, fresh air).

• 1 thing you taste (e.g., mint, lingering coffee).

Breathe. You’re here now. 🧘

"A Pose for When Your Brain Won’t Shut Off"

Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani):

Why it works: Reverses blood flow, calming the nervous system.

• How to: Scoot your hips close to a wall, legs extended upward. Rest arms by your sides. Stay for 5–10 minutes.

• Whisper to yourself: “I don’t need to solve anything right now.”

"Meet Sofia: From Anxiety to Anchor"

Sofia, a teacher and recovering overthinker, shares:
“Yoga taught me to observe my thoughts instead of wrestling them. Now, when anxiety spirals, I whisper: ‘This is a thought, not a fact.’ It doesn’t fix everything—but it gives me space to breathe.”

Her mantra: “I am not my thoughts. I am the sky; they are just weather.” ⛅

🌟 "The Mountain Moment Check-In" Challenge

(Inspired by Tadasana/Mountain Pose – a grounding foundational posture)

The Challenge:

1. Pause 3x daily (morning, afternoon, evening).
2. Stand tall like a mountain – feet rooted, shoulders relaxed, palms open.
3. Take 3 deep breaths and ask:

• “What’s one thing I’m holding onto that I can release?” (e.g., a worry, a judgment).

• “What’s one thing I can invite in?” (e.g., peace, courage, patience).
  4. Whisper to yourself:
  “I am here. I am steady. I am enough.”

Why This Works:

• Physical Anchor: Tadasana (Mountain Pose) literally grounds the body.

• Mental Reset: The questions create space to acknowledge and let go of mental clutter.

• Self-Compassion: The mantra combats perfectionism and overthinking.

"A Poem for Your Racing Mind"

(Emotion: Comfort)
"Thoughts Are Visitors"
They knock loudly, demanding tea,
But you don’t have to let them stay.
Offer a chair, a smile, then say:
“Thank you, but not today.”

"You’re Not Alone in the Storm"
Your mind might feel like a crowded room today, but remember: this practice isn’t about emptying your thoughts. It’s about creating space to breathe between them.

We’re here, wobbling and wondering, right beside you.

With gratitude,
Light Up Yoga Team 🧘‍♀️💛