05/05/2026
Your nervous system is designed to move through different states as you respond to your changing environment.
Whether fight or flight when danger is sensed, or freeze during states of overwhelm, or resting and digesting when everything around you is calm, your nervous system up- and down-regulates before you’ve even consicously sensed a shift.
The ancient yogis viewed everything, including what we now call the nervous system, through the lens of the ‘gunas’; three fundamental qualities or forces of nature.
We practice yoga, and regulate our nervous systems, by recognising where we are, and responding accordingly.
Tamas | Freeze
When tamas is present, you feel heavy and disconnected, with slow, foggy throughts.
To lighten tamas, and up-regulate from the freeze state, try gently active yoga practices like our Balance Flow, and practice breathing slightly deeper.
Rajas | Fight or Flight
When rajas is present, you feel anxious and easily aggravated, with an overabundance of energy that doesn’t seem to leave.
To settle rajas, and down-regulate from the fight or flight state, try slow pranayama practices, and body- and sensation-focused meditations.
Sattva | Rest and Digest
When sattva is present, you feel calm and steady, with a focused mind and relaxed body.
To support sattva, and settle in the rest and digest state, practice yoga consistently with dedication, and with an understanding of when to push and when to pull back.
