How to be Mindful When Practicing Yoga
If you aren't into yoga, you're going to want to read this one.
I know, "yoga just isn't your thing". But is it really not, or have you not yet experienced how relaxing and nourishing it can really be?
No matter what level you are at, you can enjoy yoga. It can be EVERYONE'S thing.
You don't have to do headstands or crazy inversions to see why people are so obsessed with it, I promise.
So here are my top tips on being more mindful when practicing yoga – the key to unlocking the benefits like pure relaxation, an uplifted mood, a great full-body stretch, and mental clarity.
Tip #1: Practicing gratitude
Expressing how grateful you are for all the little things in life is sure to make you happier, pretty much immediately.
But we often forget to do this before daily tasks or movement sessions. We just jump right in with the goal of getting across the finish line.
As soon as you get onto a mat, sit down cross-legged (heck, lay down if you want!) and whisper 3-4 things you're grateful for. Maybe you're grateful for a couple of extra quiet moments to spend on YOU, and nobody else. Maybe you're just grateful to be laying down.
There are no wrong answers here!
Tip #2: Grounding yourself
The entire time you're practicing, try to pay attention to your hand and feet placement.
Really press into the mat when your hands or feet make contact with the floor. Imagine all your fingers and toes sticking to the ground. If you feel shaky or wobbly, this tends to really help stabilize your body. But it also has major mental benefits!
Grounding connects us to the present moment and can help us de-stress. I know this might sound woo-woo but...it's a reminder of our connection to the earth beneath us. This can make our problems feel a lot smaller!
Tip #3: Breathing
Breathing is one of the most important aspects of yoga. In my opinion, it's more important than the pose itself.
By remembering to breath — and breath deeply — during each movement, you put more intention behind the movements. You're not just breezing through the class mindlessly. You're making the most out of every expansion and contraction, and helping the practice become more meditative and less like a chore or exercise.
It's okay to forget about your breathing here and there! Don't get frustrated with yourself if you do. It's usually something that comes to us involuntarily. So embrace the challenge of learning how to breathe with intention!
Tip #4: Paying attention to your senses
There's nothing more mindful than focusing on every single sensation your body is experiencing. And there's no better time to do it than when you're on the mat!
Laser in on each sense (sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste). Take a few seconds to scan your body and think about how you're experiencing all of these separately, then together. Then, think about how these sensations are affecting you mentally. Are they making you feel relaxed? Maybe even a little frustrated? Bad or good, embrace all of it, and then let the thoughts pass.
Now it's your turn!
I challenge you to try yoga again now that you're all set with these mindfulness tips! You might have an entirely different experience...you might even LIKE yoga!
Good luck!!
