Many trauma survivors feel like they’ve done something wrong if they’re angry after yoga. I’ll explain 5 reasons why this occurs (and why there’s nothing to worry about.)
5 Reasons You’re Angry After Yoga
1. You Had An Emotional Release
Yoga is much more than a workout or flexibility routine. It’s a holistic healing modality to release powerful emotions and trauma from your body.
Your mind and body are interconnected, and when you do somatic practices (including yoga), you release stored tension and associated emotions. Anger is an emotion that may surface as you’re releasing other emotions. It’s not that yoga made you angry, but you’re ready to release that anger.
To learn more about your body, how it stores trauma, and research that trauma-informed yoga heals trauma survivors, I invite you to read this in-depth blog post.
2. Unprocessed Trauma Surfaced
Unlike releasing trauma, you may have actually been activated (or triggered) during your class.
Triggers can be obvious or subtle. More subtle triggers can cause irritability that you don’t know exactly where it came from. This could be the weather, a certain way a person moves, or even subtle smells.
This article from the National Library of Medicine describes PTSD symptoms, anger being one of them. I welcome you to explore as many support options as you choose to navigate your healing journey.
For yoga classes specifically, you may have become activated because of certain traditional yoga techniques, or how the teacher prefers to teach. Here are a few examples of activating situations that may cause unprocessed trauma to surface:
- Being surrounded by props that bring up unpleasant memories (the most common are yoga straps)
- Candles
- The teacher closing the door
- Being asked to do yoga postures that make you uncomfortable or leave you feeling vulnerable.
- The teacher gives you a physical assist without asking (no teacher should do this)
- Doing techniques that ask you to close your eyes, limit movement, focus on your breath, or ask you to hold your breath
- Demanding language from the teacher
These are a few examples of how subtle elements of a yoga practice can cause unprocessed trauma to surface. Many of these are subtle, and traditional yoga teachers are not trying to activate your nervous system.
If any of the above has bothered you during a yoga class, I invite you to explore trauma-informed yoga. Teachers go through additional training to eliminate as many triggering elements from classes as possible.
3. You’re Being Too Hard On Yourself
Yoga is not about perfectionism, even though it can feel that way. You might want to keep up with the teacher, or push yourself to go the furthest into a pose. It feels good to be the “advanced yogi” who can do the complicated balances, flow through postures, and be the graceful student. Unfortunately, this is far from yoga’s true purpose – and leaves you feeling angry.
When you turn your yoga class into a competition, you risk injury from pushing past your limits, frustration from not doing what you feel you should’ve, and anger: you feel you’re not measuring up.
As difficult as it is, I welcome you to remove the need to perform during class. This is your time to unwind, be with yourself, become curious, and tend to your body, mind, and spirit. The more you surrender to the practice and see what unfolds naturally, the more you’ll be able to focus on your ultimate goals.
4. You’re Physically Uncomfortable
This is a byproduct of the last reason. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll find you’re uncomfortable in postures (even the ones labeled as restful).
Nothing creates irritation like seeing everyone in a studio looking comfortable, and you’re fumbling with props, trying to hold yourself up.
Our bodies differ vastly from each other. Even our bone structure makes certain poses more or less accessible. I welcome you to know that your version of comfort does not need to look like anyone else’s. Sensation is okay during class, but never discomfort.
I invite you to go easy on yourself, take it one pose at a time, and do the version of a pose that brings you the most joy and ease.
5. You Were Angry Before Class
Sometimes, it’s not yoga that made you angry. It simply made you aware of your anger. Yoga is an awareness and mindfulness practice, so it allows emotions under the surface to rise.
I invite you to look at your day or week before your class. Were you experiencing more stress than usual? Did you have a frustrating moment with someone?
It’s hard to look at your anger as positive, but this means you were in tune with yourself enough for this emotion to surface. That’s a sign you actually were deep into your practice.
How To Soothe Anger
If you don’t know how to discharge your anger, you might carry with you for the rest of the day.
Here are a few tips to support easing your anger symptoms:
If you can, I welcome you to try not to suppress your emotions. I understand that life is busy. Sometimes we need to set emotions aside to handle life. I welcome you to work with your emotions only if you feel comfortable. If you have time, I invite you to acknowledge your anger. It may seem silly or overly simple, but by stating, “I’m angry,” you’re giving the emotion less power. Acknowledging your anger is a supportive first step.
Journal. Journaling allows you to transfer rushing thoughts in your head onto paper. That alone can be enough of a release to work through anger.
Related Post: 15 Transformational Journal Prompts To Release Rage: Yoga For Anger After Trauma
Include self-care. Anger can quickly turn inward, directing it at ourselves. I invite you to send yourself kindness and maybe plan a self-care activity you love. It’ll send yourself the gentle reminder you’re only human, emotions and all. I welcome you to read this blog post for 15 self-care ideas you can do in 5 minutes or less.
Overview
Feeling angry after yoga is a normal part of your holistic healing journey, and nothing to be ashamed or worried about. If you’re working with a mental health professional, your anger may be a topic to discuss together.
I invite you to send yourself compassion and grace when these uncomfortable emotions surface. You deserve to take all the time you need as you carry on your healing journey. Thanks for spending this time with me, and I hope to spend time with you again soon!
Take Care.
