How Yoga Taught Me to Quiet My Overactive Mind

I was lying there, flat on my mat, arms by my side, body heavy. My mind had finally stopped racing, and I could hear it—the sound of my own breath, rhythmic and calming. After all the resistance and tension my body had fought through earlier in class, this moment of stillness felt like a victory. The chaos in my mind quieted, and I melted into the floor. This is what I’d been craving. But getting here? It wasn’t easy. 

Resistance and Release: The Path to Mindfulness 

It all started at the beginning of class. I’ve been practicing yoga for years – poorly and infrequently. Recently, I started taking Hatha and restorative yoga classes 2-3 times a week and loving it!  But no matter how experienced I think I am (or so my ego says😎 ), some days my body is so stubborn. You know those days when you just can’t seem to settle into a pose, no matter how much you stretch, breathe, or adjust? Yeah, this was one of those days. My muscles felt tight, my mind was all over the place, and I found myself pushing through each pose, fighting to stay focused. 🧘‍♀️ 

But that’s part of the process, right? That resistance is a sign of something deeper, a reminder that not every day is going to be easy or perfect. And I know that if I just stick with it, eventually I’ll find that sweet moment of release. That moment where my body lets go, and my mind finally settles into the present. 

The Power of Savasana: Where Mindfulness Comes to Life 

By the time we reached Savasana at the end of class, I was ready for it. I lay down on my mat, closed my eyes, covered myself with a blanket (I so love a cozy blanket!) and let my body sink into the floor. Slowly, the tension started to leave my muscles, and my mind began to quiet. All I could hear was the sound of my own breath—deep, steady, and soothing. 🌿 

It was in this moment of stillness that I felt the true power of mindfulness. All the chaos from my day, all the worries and stress, seemed to melt away. And for those few precious minutes, I was completely present. It wasn’t about the poses or the stretching—it was about finding peace in the quiet moments. And that’s something I’ve taken with me far beyond the yoga mat. 

Mindfulness in Everyday Life: The Practice of Being Present 

The lesson I’ve learned through yoga is that mindfulness isn’t just something you practice on the mat—it’s a tool you can carry with you throughout your day. Whether it’s during Savasana or while cleaning my cast iron pan (I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out), there are so many opportunities in life to simply be present. It’s about quieting the mind, focusing on the moment, and letting go of whatever chaos is swirling around us. 

For me, it’s the little things—like the way my breath sounds in stillness or how it feels to stretch after a long day. These small moments of focus are what help me calm my overactive brain and reconnect with myself. And the beauty of mindfulness is that you can find it anywhere, whether you’re practicing yoga, doing dishes, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea. 

Why Mindfulness Matters for Your Well-Being 

Mindfulness isn’t just about relaxation—it has real, tangible benefits for your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and even lower blood pressure. By being more present, you’re giving your brain a chance to rest and recharge. 🌿 

And here’s the thing: you don’t have to be perfect at it. Some days, like when I’m struggling through a yoga pose, mindfulness feels hard. But even on those tough days, it’s still worth it. Because when you finally reach that moment of stillness, when your mind quiets and you can just breathe—that’s when you realize how powerful mindfulness truly is. 

Making Mindfulness Part of Your Day 

If you’re looking for simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into your life, start small. Try focusing on your breath during moments of stillness, or pay attention to the sensations in your body during everyday tasks. You don’t need to carve out hours of your day to practice mindfulness—just a few minutes here and there can make a big difference. ✨ 

And if you’re looking for other ways to live more mindfully, check out Tangie’s line of zero-waste products. Whether it’s using our natural soap bars or cleaning with our laundry concentrate, making small, intentional choices in your day can help you reconnect with the present and live more sustainably. 

So, the next time you find yourself fighting through a tough moment—whether it’s in yoga, during your daily routine, or even just trying to quiet your mind—remember that the peace you’re looking for is just around the corner. Mindfulness isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. And trust me, when you finally find that stillness, it’ll be the most refreshing part of your day. 

Gratefully, 

xo Angie Ringler