Yoga serves as more than just a workout; Yoga is an activity that cultivates your thoughts, body, and spirit. I understood the advantages of yoga, but like everyone else, I had a tough time incorporating it into my routine. Then one day, I challenged myself to practice yoga every day without fail. What started as a project swiftly progressed into a life-altering experience. Here’s how my life changed when I began practicing yoga on a daily basis.
The Beginning – Setting My Intentions
Like most beginners, I started with over enthusiasm and a little uncertainty. For me practicing yoga daily was pretty simple, as I only needed to do a full body flow for at least 20-30 minutes or just stretch or even take a mindful breath. I began with various styles of yoga such as Power Yoga, Restorative sessions, Hatha and Vinyasa along with instructional videos available on the internet.
Week 1 – Overcoming Resistance
The first week was the hardest. My body was stiff, and I had a tough time holding certain poses. Challenging moments arrived in abundance especially when I started to compare myself with others looking at seasoned yogis. It was during these moments I constantly reminded myself that my goal was progress and not perfection.
I began to notice changes around the end of the first week. For one, my flexibility improved a little bit and I felt some calm after every session. I also realized that my biggest challenge was not the poses, it was getting on the mat in the first place.
Week 2 – Feeling Energized
By the second week, there was a shift in my mood. I looked forward to my yoga sessions and eagerly anticipated each practice. There was noticeable change in how my body adapted; I was able to hold poses longer without discomfort. Most importantly, my energy and mood shifted for the better. I felt more positive, less stressed, and even got better sleep at night.
Yoga allowed me to escape the daily stresses of life and helped me focus on my breathing, especially Pranayama. This allowed me to feel calm and centered throughout the day. I also started noticing improvements in my posture which was surprising since I had been struggling with it for such a long time due to my hours of sitting.
Week 3 – The Realization of Change
By the third week, my energy and mood positively shifted and I felt a change in my body for the first time. To my pleasant surprise, my core felt stronger and my balance had improved. I even started working on my Crow Pose and Warrior III, which were once so difficult.
Yoga helped me mentally. It gave me much better self control vision. Nobody likes discomfort, but I learned that embracing it is very important not only on the mat, but off of it as well. I no longer react out of impulse. Rather, I have learned to breathe, pause, and respond with respect.
Week 4 – A New Lifestyle
By the fourth week, I had mastered yoga to the point where it had become a lifestyle. I felt as if my body had turned into a balloon which had unnoticeably became lighter, and my mind was less cluttered with thoughts. Quite frankly, yoga is no longer something on my to-do list, but rather something that genuinely makes me happy. I had not noticed how my overall well being improved until now.
I did not expect this, but yoga also instilled a tremendous feeling of gratitude within myself. With just a single movement, I became reminded of how wonderful my body is. Flexing, stretching and healing were possibilities made available through yoga, which had simultaneously taught me self-acceptance and patience. These lessons assisted me far beyond the practice and into my daily life.
The Lessons I Learned
There is a lot that can be taken from a month of consistent yoga. From my experience, the benefits go beyond strength and flexibility. Here are some key lessons provided from my journey:
- Discipline Creates Transformation
To make progress, you must show up every single day, regardless of how drained you feel.
- More Than The Physical: Yoga
It is for achieving clarity of thought, managing emotions, and even progressing spiritually.
- The Breath is The Most Important Anchor
I learned how to shut my mouth in stressful situations and simply control my breath.
- Each Day is Unique
Some days, I was full of vigor and flexibility, while on others, I could just stretch and breathe. Both were beneficial.
- Humans Can Do Amazing Things
The body, with some time and effort, learns to strengthen and heal itself.
Tips For People Who Want To Start Practicing Yoga Daily
In case you are thinking of having a daily yoga regime, my first and perhaps most important advice is, start slow, but be consistent. It is not necessary to practice for an hour each day. Even 10- 15 minutes every day can be helpful. Concentrate more on the processes involved rather than trying to achieve something. Your body will guide you. So be gentle on yourself and relish each part of this journey.
Doing yoga every single day changed my life in so many different ways! Not only did it strengthen my body, but it calmed my mind too. If you’re searching for a method to better your mental and physical health, then I suggest you give yoga a shot. Trust me, you may even surprise yourself!
Have you ever tried doing yoga on a daily basis? If so, let us know how it went for you in the comments!
