Have you ever caught yourself playing the same negative conversation over and over in your mind or found yourself thinking about a time in the past that made you sad? I hate how these random thoughts can sneak into a perfectly good day and can turn happiness into gloom with little effort.
I have never let the past bother me before but a little over a year ago something happened that changed that. Since then, thoughts started popping up that I couldn’t just shake away. They lingered and flooded my mind.
I tried to distract myself but I just couldn’t get a handle on the sadness that my thoughts were bringing me. Finally, I decided to treat my negative, unproductive thoughts like clutter. The thoughts still enter my mind sometimes, but now I can control them instead of letting them control me.
What I Did
I approached dealing with my mental clutter the same way I faced my physical clutter. I researched different tips and tricks, practiced a variety of ideas, and did what felt right for me. Yoga was the method that intrigued me the most and that has brought me the most benefit.
My Experience with Yoga
Over the past 15 years, I have practiced yoga sparingly. I always enjoyed it but for some reason, I never made it a priority and I never fully committed myself to practicing.
This past month I incorporated yoga into my daily routine and I have been very pleased with the positive effects. I am currently taking 2 classes a week and practicing on my own with what I have learned for at least 15 minutes the other 5 days.
I Found What I Was Looking for and MORE!
I gained more control over my thoughts
Yoga has given me the foundation I needed to get more control of my thoughts. This past year I wasted more time than I care to admit lost in negative thoughts. Yoga has allowed me to become more aware of how to focus my attention and recognize thoughts before they spiral. The thoughts still pop up but now I can acknowledge them and choose to redirect my mind on so I can remain in the present.
I’m more calm and relaxed
Practicing yoga, even for a brief amount of time leaves me feeling very calm and relaxed and that feeling stays with me! I even wake up feeling much more relaxed than I did before.
I’m more patient
This probably goes hand in hand with the calmness but I have noticed it takes a lot more for me to lose my patience. Being a stay-at-home mom, this in itself is enough to convince me to continue to practice yoga.
I’m more flexible
This past year I have been having discomfort in my lower back. Most likely brought on by stress and/or from carrying my toddler around. I found out that my insurance company offered a free virtual yoga class for back health and I started attending right away. After the first class, I noticed a significant improvement and after the second class my discomfort was gone! It felt great to gain flexibility and no longer be in pain.
I feel stronger
The Vinyasa Yoga class that I just started has challenged me and includes a workout-like feel which I have enjoyed. The day after my first class I could feel some soreness. Toning my muscles wasn’t my goal but it is a nice side effect.
To Sum it Up
If you’re looking to clear some of the clutter from your mind so you can feel happier and lighter, think about adding yoga to your routine! I have noticed a world of difference in a short amount of time.
Do you practice yoga? What do you enjoy most about it? I would love to hear about your yoga experience.
I read this while drinking my green smoothie after finishing my yoga practice! Good for you for finding a practical and healthy way to deal with negativity, Suzanne! I’ve had people tell me they’d like to have the peace that I exude. I think that peace is due in large part to yoga. Not to mention that if I don’t practice for a while, my physical body can get very unhappy! Great post! 🌞
Haha! I’m excited to hear that you do yoga too. I look forward to practicing yoga everyday and I love all the positive changes I have noticed. I’m glad to hear it has brought you peace. 😁
Oooh interesting! You logo looks different. Are my eyes deceiving me?
I’ve tried yoga here and there but never fully committed because I always found it to be a little slow for my liking. But I suppose that’s the point! 😅
You are correct, I’m glad you noticed. I have a new spiffy logo and I’m super excited about it!😁😁
Haha. Yes, I guess most yoga is pretty slow. 🙂
Love this! I have had my moments of yoga for about 15-20 years maybe but right now it’s Pilates 👍
Oh fun!
I have done some yoga but I’ve never seriously practiced it. There are so many physical and mental health benefits. Maybe I should give it a try.
I am so glad I have added yoga to my daily routine! I think you would enjoy it since you have been meditating. I have noticed if I do 10 to 15 minutes of yoga before I meditate it really enhances the experience. Both of the yoga classes I attend have a guided meditation at the end and it is really relaxing.🧘🏼♀️
I have practiced yoga sparingly as well over the course of 7 years and it helps me stay focused, my mind is 1000 miles per minute because of my anxiety and perfectionism, so it helps me focus on one thing at a time and my breathing. Anxiety and perfectionism is a an all timw low woth yoga for me!
That is awesome to hear! I love how yoga slows my mind down too. 🧘🏼♀️
Yoga has calmed my mind down so much too! Glad to see someone reaping the benefits from it too! Love your blog.
Thanks! Your blog looks interesting as well. I’ll be sure to check out some posts!