What do you do when things aren’t going your way?

We all know the feeling. To quote the Friends theme song: when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year. It can be discouraging when things don’t go your way and you feel like you can’t catch a break. You aren’t grounded and may feel like you can’t focus or are feeling insecure. Maybe you feel powerless with a low self-esteem. Imbalances in our root and solar plexus chakras can leave us feeling worthless and pessimistic. Luckily, there are ways to overcome this. Grounding poses and meditations, gratefulness journaling, or simply enjoying your hobbies can help you climb out of your funk and bring some positivity and courage back into your life.

The most important thing to remember is this is normal. No one has it together 100% of the time. So show yourself some grace. Take some time to enjoy something you don’t get to do often or one of your favorite hobbies. Spend some time in nature and savor its beauty. Watch your favorite tv show or read a good book. Take a bubble bath or pour yourself a glass wine. Whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed and stress free, do that.

Focus on what is going right, even if it seems small and insignificant. You brushed your hair this morning? Great! You made your bed? Amazing! You changed out of your pjs? Perfect! Focus on the things you can control rather than the things you can’t. I talk to my students every year about the circle of control. When something out of your control happens to you, focus on your reaction to the situation. Are you being patient with yourself? Emotional reactions come fast, but taking a breath and a step back can help you see your issue in a different light. This can help you find a solution or help you realize it’s not as important as you once thought.

One of the best reminders for me is the practice of Ahimsa or Nonviolence. Ahimsa guides us to be kind to ourselves, others, and Mother Earth. It asks you to be compassionate, show gratitude, and reignite your power. It’s easier said than done, but it is a great daily practice. Start small. Do one small thing that scares you. Stand up for yourself. Show yourself some love. When things get tough, take a step back. Because remember, you cannot care for others if you don’t first care for yourself.

Try a loving kindness meditation or listen to a grounding guided meditation. Below are some poses that focus on the root and solar plexus chakras. Do them in isolation or create your own flow. Just remember to take things slow and that life is a process. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It’s okay to sit with your discomfort while also enjoying the world around you. Darkness fades and you will be okay. Shanti Om.

Try these poses to help you reset your root and solar plexus chakras:

Easy Pose

Take 5 minutes to listen to your surroundings. When your thoughts start to wander, bring your attention back to your breath.

Ragdoll

Put a gentle bend in your knees and let your head hang heavy. Reach for opposite elbows and take 5 deep breaths. To come out, tuck your chin to your chest and slowly roll up to mountain.

Warrior 1

This whole body energizer is a great way to feel strong and take back your power. Keep your hips square to the front edge of your mat, legs and abdomen activated, and your shoulders relaxed down your back. Take 3 deep breaths here as you take your gaze upwards.

Warrior 3

In this balancing, fierce pose, feel even more of your power. Square your hips to the mat, keeping your legs and abdomen activated. Warrior 3 is invigorating and energizing so you can feel like yourself again.

Bow Pose

A nice little solar plexus massage, Bow is a strengthening pose in your shoulders and legs. It opens the chest and massages the digestive organs. Be mindful of your knees here by keeping your legs and arms activated. Hold for 10-20 seconds and repeat once or twice.

Moon Salute

Flow through the Moon Salutation to tap into your yin energy. A hip and heart opening sequence that works through your chakras and helps you slow down. While Sun Salutes heat up the body, a Moon Salute is cooling and calming. Do a couple of rounds to channel your feminine energy.