Yoga And Positivity: 6 Ways Yoga Can Help Us To Cultivate A Positive Attitude
With everything we have going on in the world and in our daily lives, finding ways to maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life can be a challenging task. Yoga can be a powerful tool to help us not only achieve, but also sustain, that positive attitude and mindset. Yoga is not just about physical postures and flexibility; it’s a holistic approach that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.
It won’t be perfect and it won’t happen overnight, but if we remain consistent- we can reap those powerful benefits. Let’s take a look at the ways in which yoga can help cultivate a positive attitude on our lives. Then if you are interested you can try our a short chair yoga sequence with a focus on positivity.
This post contains affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. This is at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I truly believe are helpful. See our Privacy Policy and Disclosures page.
1.Stress Reduction
One of the most immediate benefits of practicing yoga is stress reduction. Many of us come to a yoga practice for just that. Through mindful breathing, relaxation techniques, and physical postures, yoga helps activate the body’s relaxation response. This, in turn, reduces the levels of stress hormones like cortisol in the body, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.
When we can manage stress effectively, it becomes easier to maintain a positive perspective, even in the face of life’s challenges. When we feel better, we make better (and more positive) choices. You can read more about that here in Yoga And Healing as well as Breathing For Better Mobility
If you are interested in some research, you may be interested in this article:
Yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction and stress-related physiological measures: A meta-analysis
You can get started right now by just taking 3 deep breaths. Take a long inhale and an even longer exhale – then see how you feel. There is much to explore with breathing techniques. Just start simple and then you can learn more. You may be amazed at how taking 3 simple deep breaths a day can change how you feel. You may be interested in this book: Breathe Deep: An Illustrated Guide To The Transformative Power Of Breathing
2.Mind-Body Connection
Yoga encourages a profound connection between the mind and the body. As we move through various poses and focus on our breath, we become more aware of the physical sensations in our body as well as our mental state. This heightened awareness can help us to recognize and address negative thought patterns. That can help us make conscious choices to shift towards a positive attitude. This does require a bit of work on our part, but with a consistent yoga practice we may become aware of existing patterns in our daily life as well.
We can work to try not to rush through our exercise to simply get it done and checked off of our list- just like tasks in our daily lives that we may or may not be too thrilled about doing. Can we find something new even in the mundane?
The next time you are doing something on your to do list that you are not too thrilled about, try thinking of a way you can turn it into a more positive experience. Can you do it at a different time, change the location, add some music to your environment, light a candle- possibilities are endless here if we can give it a little bit of thought.
3.Enhanced Self-Acceptance
Yoga can help to promote self-acceptance and self-compassion. It encourages us to be present in the moment, to accept ourselves as we are today, and to let go of self-criticism and judgment. This sense of self-acceptance can be a powerful tool for cultivating a positive outlook on life, as it allows us to embrace our strengths and weaknesses with kindness, rather than dwelling on negativity.
Remember that it does not have to be all or nothing when it comes to yoga or exercise. Don’t underestimate the power of short bouts of activity or breathing exercises. Explore some options, find what works for you, and then incorporate them into your daily life- and don’t beat yourself up if things do not go as planned. Remember that just taking a few moments to breathe and be present is extremely beneficial to the body and the mind.
Maybe we begin each day with 3 deep breaths, a positive affirmation, and a simple stretch or two. Make it a routine and then see how you begin to feel.
4.Gratitude and Mindfulness
Yoga encourages gratitude and mindfulness, which are essential components of a positive mindset. Through practices like meditation and pranayama (breath control), we can learn to appreciate the present moment while fostering a sense of gratitude for all things big and small in our lives. This shift in focus from what we lack to what we have can significantly impact our overall outlook and get us closer to having that sought after positive attitude.
You may be interested in the 21 Day Mindfulness Challenge. It has 21 simple and practical activities with some resources to help you get started. No big time commitment or equipment needed- use what you already have and you can get started today. You may also be interested in these Gratitude Journals from Promptly Journals:
5.Resilience and Adaptability
Yoga can help teach us to adapt to changing circumstances with grace and resilience. As we face challenges on the mat, such as trying new poses or challenging ourselves, we can develop the ability to stay calm and composed. This newfound resilience can transfer to our daily life, enabling us to navigate adversity with a positive attitude, knowing that we have the inner strength to endure.
If you are a caregiver, you may be interested in Self Care For Caregivers
6.Connection and Community
Yoga communities offer a sense of connection and support. Joining a yoga class or community can provide a network of like-minded individuals who share our journey toward a positive attitude. The camaraderie and shared experiences can be uplifting, motivating us to maintain a positive outlook. If you practice or are thinking about starting an at home yoga practice, don’t discount it as a lack of community- we are still practicing together!
Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it’s a holistic practice that can help to nourish our mind, body, and spirit. By reducing stress, fostering self-awareness, and promoting mindfulness and gratitude, yoga can help equip us with the tools we need to cultivate and sustain a positive outlook on life. Whether we are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, integrating yoga into our routine can lead to a brighter, more optimistic perspective, helping us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
Already have a yoga practice? Keep reading for some simple tips we can use to help us to stay positive with our daily yoga practice.
15 Simple Tips For Creating Positive Energy In Our Yoga Practice (And Beyond)
Maintaining a positive outlook through a daily yoga practice involves more than just doing the physical postures. These 15 simple tips can help us to stay positive with a consistent yoga practice. The great thing is that with continued and routine practice, the benefits will transcend into our daily lives.
1.Establish a Routine
Create a daily schedule that includes a dedicated time for your yoga practice. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of yoga, as it becomes a regular part of your life. Remember from above that it does not have to be all or nothing. Print out this simple free Exercise Planner to help with planning and tracking your exercise.
2.Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals for your yoga practice. Whether it’s mastering a challenging pose, improving flexibility, or finding inner peace, having clear objectives can keep you stay motivated and positive. Goals can be big or small- it all counts. Even a goal “to feel better at the end of the day” is awesome!
3.Start with Mindfulness
Begin your practice with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. This helps you set a positive intention for your practice and fosters a calm and focused mindset. It can be as simple as repeating a positive affirmation or quote that resonates with and taking a few deep breaths- no need to overthink it.
4.Focus on the Breath
Pay close attention to your breath during your practice. Deep, conscious breathing not only enhances your physical performance but also helps calm your mind and reduce stress. Check in with the breath throughout your practice- and in your daily life. Remember the breath always comes first.
5.Choose Poses that Uplift You
Incorporate poses that make you feel good and feel energized. Back bends, heart-openers, and inversions are known to boost mood and increase positivity. If you are practicing on the chair or with me, you may be interested in Chair Yoga For A Positive Mindset. We will practice a seated “headstand” pose here. Or if you are interested in mat level practice, here are some options I found:
Yoga With Adriene: Sunrise Yoga
Yoga With Bird: 7 Day Morning Yoga Challenge
6.Practice Gratitude
Before or after your yoga practice, take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Cultivating gratitude can enhance our positive energy. No need to overthink here either. Whatever comes to your mind first- “Today I am thankful for______”.
You may be interested in my Gratitude Journal Pages
Or take a look at Yoga For Gratitude for some tips on starting a Gratitude Practice.
7.Be Patient and Non-Judgmental
Avoid self-criticism during your practice. Yoga is about progress, not perfection. Embrace your journey with kindness and patience. Yoga can help us become more aware of our thoughts and the quality of our self-talk. With this awareness, you can work on replacing negative self-talk with more positive and empowering thoughts. You can start today by simple saying something kind to yourself right now!
8.Vary Your Practice
Keep your practice fresh and exciting by trying different yoga styles and poses. This can prevent boredom and help maintain your enthusiasm. Here is a link to an article about different yoga styles. They do not mention Chair Yoga, but it is a wonderful option!
Mind Body Green: 11 Types Of Yoga
9.Surround Yourself with Positivity
Create a serene practice environment with calming music, scents, or candles. The ambiance can enhance your mood and create a positive atmosphere. It does not have to be fancy, just something that resonates with you and makes you feel that you are worthy of the time that you have carved out for yourself.
These beautiful custom bracelets from Etsy (you can put any word or phrase that you want) or these Positive Affirmation Cards can also help you get your mindset moving towards positivity: 52 Positive Affirmations
10.Connect with a Community
Like I mentioned above, consider joining a local yoga class or an online yoga community. Being around like-minded individuals can provide support and motivation to stay positive. Joining a yoga class or community provides a sense of connection and support. The sense of belonging and shared experiences can boost motivation and promote a positive perspective
11.Reflect on Your Progress
Regularly reflect on the improvements you’ve made through your yoga practice. Acknowledging your growth can boost your self-esteem and keep you positive. In turn, that can help you to be more resilient in your everyday life
13.Balance Effort and Rest
Ensure that your practice includes both challenging poses and relaxation. Balancing effort and rest helps prevent burnout and supports your overall well-being. There are many wonderful benefits that come from Restorative Yoga practices.
13.Learn from Setbacks
Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any practice- and in life. Instead of dwelling on them, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. This can help you to keep an open mind (#14).
14.Stay Open-Minded
Keep an open mind and be receptive to the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga. Exploring these aspects can deepen your practice and outlook on life. You may be interested in these books:
The Bhagavad Gita Summarized and Simplified
15.Take Your Yoga Off The Mat
Like I mentioned above, one of the wonderful gifts of yoga is that you can take what you learn on your yoga mat or chair and apply it to your daily life. Cultivate mindfulness, patience, and gratitude in your everyday activities to maintain a positive attitude. Some people find that their yoga practice helps them connect to a deeper sense of purpose or spirituality, which can infuse their lives with a greater sense of meaning and positivity. If that does not resonate with you, no worries. Take from it what you want and simply leave the rest.
Remember that a daily yoga practice is a journey, and staying positive is an ongoing process. With dedication and a mindful approach, you can harness the transformative power of yoga to maintain a positive attitude on life.
Want More?
You may be interested in my Goal Planner With Affirmation Cards
If you are new to chair yoga, you may be interested in Is Chair Yoga Right For You?
You may also be interested in the 7 Day Chair Yoga Challenge or the One Week Chair Yoga Challenge
Or, take a look at Chair Yoga For Motivation
I invite you to sign up for the Monthly Email Newsletter to stay up to date on the latest blog posts and videos.
If you or someone you care for is interested in chair yoga, check out The Peaceful Chair YouTube Channel for more chair yoga videos.
Namaste
Disclaimer: The Peaceful Chair and thepeacefulchair.com strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before starting this or any exercise program.The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of medical advice or information from your healthcare provider. Neither The Peaceful Chair, thepeacefulchair.com, nor any of its contributors shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information contained in any links, videos, or any content on this website.
Leave A Comment