It’s Monday and if you’re anything like me, you’re trying to ease into the week while everything around you feels… uncertain.

Between the ongoing federal shutdown drama, inflation making basic life feel luxury-priced, and flu season knocking out people left and right, the chaos is real. Onto of it all my car is STILL in the shop at a business that in my opinion is less than trustworthy and I’m actively trying to get my Jeep away from them after nearly 2 weeks of non responsiveness and nothing in writing. Schedules are messy, moods are funky, and some of us are wondering: How am I supposed to stay balanced when nothing around me is?

The answer?
You don’t chase balance, you build it…breath by breath.

And that’s where yoga, breathing mindfully, and stillness come in. In the midst of political noise and unpredictable days off, issues with transportation it’s still possible to root yourself in calm and clarity.

Let’s talk about how.

Before I spiraled into the news or checked work emails, I had to pause.
I took a slow, intentional breath. Felt my feet on the floor.
This was my first act of claiming balance in chaotic times: being present in my body

I am not the shutdown.
I am not inflation.
I am not my Google Calendar falling apart.

I am ok.
I am still here. Still breathing. Still in control of my energy.

When stress is high and immunity is low, our bodies needs more than rest it needs movement that supports our nervous systems and boosts natural defenses.

Here are 5 poses I love that you too can do this week to support your immune system. Add in blocks, pillows or practice in bed even.

1. Supported Fish Pose
   Opens the chest and stimulates the thymus a gland key to immunity.
   Lie back on a cushion or rolled-up blanket, arms open wide, and breathe deep.
2. Legs Up the Wall
   A gentle inversion that helps with circulation, stress, and lymph drainage.
   Great at the end of the day or between Zoom meetings.
3. Seated Spinal Twist
   Twists support detox and gut health which is closely linked to immunity.
   Sit tall, twist gently, and hold each side for a few breaths.
4. Cat-Cow Flow
   This simple movement warms the spine, increases circulation, and calms the mind.
   Inhale to arch, exhale to round. Let it be meditative.
5. Forward Fold
   Whether standing or seated, folding forward activates your parasympathetic nervous system — that’s your rest-and-digest mode.
   Let your head hang and feel the release.

In unpredictable times, a simple mantra can become your mental anchor.
Repeat this silently or out loud whenever anxiety creeps in or decisions feel heavy:

“I remain clear. I remain calm. I move with purpose even when the path is unclear.”

Mantras don’t have to be deep or ancient to work. They just have to speak to you.

Let this one be your go-to this week at your desk, on the train, in the parking lot, or curled up on the couch wondering what’s next.

Everything in the world might feel unstable right now, but your peace is not up for debate.

You don’t need to control what Congress is doing.
You don’t need to know exactly what next week holds.
You just need 10 minutes a day to breathe, stretch, and listen inward.

Make your yoga mat, your quiet corner, or even your car seat a place of restoration. Let the practice meet you where you are.

• Start the day with breath before screens.
• Move your body with 1–2 poses from the list above.
• Use the mantra anytime you feel ungrounded.
• Remind yourself: your peace is power.

It is pointless trying to control the outside world. Yes, there are tons of issues to deal with and problems that need solutions. There are people to consider and meetings that require your attention and energy. You can’t give what you don’t have. If your mind is cloudy your comments and reflections will be sub par. If your energy is heavy, it can be difficult to communicate at work or be productive. This practice is meant to give us access to tools and care that give us the choice to be better in a moment.

So this week, show up.
For your body.
For your breath.
For your clarity.
For your community.

Because when you stay grounded you stay ready. And that’s the real flex. Wish me luck! I’m doing my best not to loose it over my Jeep situation and trust me…it ain’t easy but I’m happy I have a practice to help me stay grounded.

Peace & deep exhales,

xoxo

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