5 Yoga Poses to Help You Process Anger

Yoga Journal

by Renee Schettler

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

When anger arises, it often leads to regrettable reactions. The article explores how yoga can help manage these emotions by focusing on slow breathing, specific poses, and mindful movements. Anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Ayurveda, an ancient practice linked with yoga, views anger as a sign of excess pitta—a dosha associated with fire and intensity. The goal is to calm this internal heat through practices like twisting poses and forward folds, which release physical tension and promote relaxation. These techniques help lengthen the breath, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress. Yoga’s benefits extend beyond physical postures. Slowing down breath and movement allows individuals to observe their emotions without immediate reaction. This self-study (svadhyaya) helps create space for clearer decision-making during emotional storms. Twists, like the Half Spinal Twist, release both physical and emotional tension stored in the mid-back and chest—areas where anger is often felt. Forward folds, such as Standing Forward Bend, encourage surrender and stillness, helping to calm the mind. For fitness enthusiasts, yoga offers a holistic approach to managing stress and emotions. By integrating mindfulness into their workouts, individuals can improve both mental and physical health. Yoga not only reduces stress hormones but also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, promoting long-term well-being. This practice teaches how to pause before reacting, fostering steadiness and patience in challenging situations. Ultimately, yoga doesn’t suppress anger but provides tools to process it constructively. By creating space for emotions to move freely rather than becoming explosive, individuals can respond with clarity and calmness

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Originally published on Yoga Journal on 2/25/2026