This post was originally written after I completed 60 consecutive days of yoga. It has been updated to reflect my thoughts now that I’ve practiced 365 days in a row.
Ever wondered about the impact that yoga can have on your mind, body, and spirit with regular practice? I’ve incorporated yoga into my routine for the last 365 days and I’m sharing what I learned.
I have never been someone who maintains a fitness routine. I’ve always started and stopped, started and stopped, until I would get frustrated with whatever I was doing and give it up altogether. A lot of this has to do with my chronic illness. Because my “good days” are so inconsistent and flare-ups happen so frequently, sticking with a workout regime has always felt impossible. In the past, I’ve picked up yoga here and there, but I’ve never stuck with it for any length of time. Until now!
It can be easy to say, “I’ll wait until the beginning of the year (or even month, or week) to work on that particular habit,” but it’s harder to choose to start something at random and stick with it long-term. I don’t utilize New Year resolutions and I’ve never really been one to set goals for myself outside of work or reading. Some time in the middle of January 2022, I found myself craving a good stretch. I turned to Yoga With Adriene, the only yoga channel I’ve ever really found that suits my style. She had begun a 30-day program at the beginning of the year and I decided to start it from the beginning – in the middle of the month! I thought that I’d push myself to show up every day and see what happens, not giving myself a chance to care that it wasn’t the start of a year/month/week. Now a full year later, I’m still practicing every day with no sign of stopping any time soon.
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What does 365 consecutive days of yoga do for your mind, body, and spirit? It might sound totally clichΓ©, but yoga really has changed my life! Here are six ways my life has improved by practicing yoga on a daily basis.
I’ve become stronger. In the first few days of practicing, I was struggling with simple poses and had zero core strength. Now, I’m able to lift myself into positions that I never thought were possible! Not only that, but my mind has become stronger as well. I don’t find myself being as negatively impacted by stressful things during my workday or personal life. Instead, I’m taking the opportunity to work on practicing strength in more ways than one. I’ve learned to view my chronic illness in a new light. Rather than letting it control the way my day goes, I can look at it and acknowledge the discomfort, but still find positive things to focus on instead.
I’ve become more flexible. Okay, so this one has a lot to do with the body. My mom always used to tell me I was “born without rubber bands.” I have never been flexible and I wondered how yoga would help me in that area. The first day I successfully wrapped my arms around my ankles in Uttanasana (standing forward fold), I was so excited. I can tell that it’s actually making an impact on my body as well because I’m not having nearly as much joint pain! Of course, this flexibility has permeated my life in other ways. In the past, I’ve found it very challenging to let go of my expectations – whether big or small. Yoga has stretched my mind and allowed me to process these things in a more practical way.
I’ve learned how to cry. Does that sound strange? Maybe, but it’s true. Crying and I have always had a bizarre relationship. On the one hand, I cry during hard things because that’s just the most natural thing for me. On the other hand, I felt like crying wasn’t allowed and that I should always “be tough.” I can’t count how many times I’ve cried during yoga. This isn’t always even because I’m sad or stressed. Sometimes it’s just because it’s a release! I consider my time on the mat to be a therapy of sorts. When I’m there, anything is acceptable: crying, sighing, laughing (and yes, even passing gas, because y’all, working those internal organs is amazing for someone with a gut disease). Now, I realize that crying can be so good for you, especially if you learn how to come back to the present after letting loose in that way. This really brings a brighter view to my day!
I continue to practice off the mat. Yoga brings a sense of awareness that no other style of fitness has ever brought. When I’m reading in bed during the evenings, I begin using Pranayama (yogic breathing) techniques – sometimes without fully acknowledging that I’m doing it – which has helped my stomach pain and begun to calm me during moments of high anxiety. When I’m sitting at my desk all day long, I’ve begun to be attentive to whether or not my head is aligned with my heart and pelvis. I often notice in the car that I will roll my shoulders up towards my ears and then away, bringing a subtle heart-opener to play. If I drop something and need to pick it up, I bend from the hips rather than the spine and forward fold. You get the gist – I’m practicing without even practicing.
I look forward to yoga. I’ve always dreaded other kinds of workouts. You will never see me signing up for HIIT routines, marathons, or even weight training. But yoga? Yoga is something I genuinely wake up excited about. I absolutely love greeting the morning with a good stretch and deep breathing. Other times, I’ll save it until the end of my workday. It’s stress relief for me, so the moment my laptop closes, the mat comes out and I’m ready to go. If I don’t have time for it then, I’ll wait until right before I begin winding down for bed (ex: yoga, skincare routine, tea, book, sleep). Some days, I push myself to work on strength, other days it’s flexibility, and sometimes I focus on breathing or mental clarity. All I know is that it’s something I can tailor to my body and my life, and it brings me constant joy!
I’ve noticed a change in my body – and my relationship with my body. Of course, a lot of us get into “working out” for the sake of seeing a noticeable difference in our physique. As someone with a past in disordered eating and body dysmorphia, fitness as a whole has always brought along concerning trains of thought. However, with yoga, while I am seeing baby abs begin to form and my arms are starting to tone, that’s not my primary focus any longer. Instead, I’ve seen so many other positive things in play that I’ve stopped craving the appearance changes, and instead, I’m celebrating the new things my body is capable of: digesting food better (something I obviously struggle with because of gastroparesis), the ability to self-heal when I get a back spasm or migraine, soothing breath that calms me even during hard moments, and the fact that my body does support me on a daily basis! Yoga has completely changed my life in so many wonderful ways.
Have you ever practiced yoga – or any other kind of fitness activity – for an extended period of time?
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Love, Willow Blog says
Iβve always wanted to try a yoga class but was always a bit hesitant, your feedback cleared my head and I think Iβm going to look more into booking that class!
Willow | http://www.lovewillowblog.com
Stephanie Whitman says
If a class environment is what you prefer, I say go for it! I always found that I was uncomfortable in a group setting because I never fully allowed myself to just be. Practicing at home has become such a game-changer because it lets me come to the mat completely, rather than trying to keep up appearances. However, no matter what your preference is, I definitely recommend yoga as a whole. It really has completely changed my life. I can see why so many people love it now!
Caroline says
I really like the idea of yoga. I think it would help me so much because I get awful lower back pains & leg pains from endometriosis. Thank you for sharing this x
Stephanie Whitman says
One thing that I love about using Adriene’s channel is that she has videos geared towards certain areas in the body! So, when I’m having a really bad gastroparesis flare-up day, I do yoga for digestion. Other days, if I have a neck spasm, I utilize the videos for upper back and neck. And then in between those targeted practices, I work on my form, breathing, etc. to get stronger in other areas to support myself! I think you could find that helpful as well π
Lisa says
I tried yoga once with a friend and we got kicked out of class for laughing! TBH, it’s not really for me but I have just started the couch to 5K routine today (feeling pretty shattered now) so we’ll see how that goes. Congrats on 60 days, so happy you’ve round something that works for you!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my, that’s funny! I know it isn’t for everyone – I’m just grateful that it has benefitted me so much because I can’t do any kind of intense cardio like running. Props to you for having that kind of stamina!
Jodie says
I have done yoga in the past and tried to start this again a year or so ago after Iβd had a few weeks of vertigo. Wrong decision as I started to feel dizzy. Now that Iβve not had this issue for quite some time, I want to start yoga again. Thanks for providing the inspiration!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so sorry to hear that you experienced that. Crazy enough, Adriene actually has a video specifically tailored to yoga for vertigo. Maybe that’ll help ease you into practice again without experiencing discomfort. Wishing you all the best!
readandreviewit says
Oh I love this! I’ve never been big on exercise routines but I have to admit yoga’s always been something that’s intrigued me. I’m so glad to hear that it’s made you stronger both physically and mentally, that’s really lovely to hear! I feel like yoga’s something I’d really enjoy as wind down before bed too! Thanks for sharing x
Stephanie Whitman says
I mean, as you can see from the post, I’ve never been big on exercise routines either. Or, more like I haven’t even been able to form a routine because I’m always getting sick. But yoga is something I can still do even when I feel terrible because I can choose the level of intensity, unlike so many other forms of fitness! Adriene has one particular video just for winding down for bed and I’ll admit that I use it regularly!
Jaya Avendel says
I so loved reading this interesting and rewarding post! I have often wanted to try yoga, but have never truly gotten into it. I am motivated to give it another dedicated try after reading this post as I love the takeaways and experiences you share. <3
Stephanie Whitman says
It makes me so happy to hear that I could help motivate you to try yoga again! I know that it’s not for everyone, but I do believe that once you’ve made it a habit it becomes a really valuable part of your life!
Emily says
I’ve always enjoyed dabbling in yoga but always struggled to form genuinely good habits with it. After learning more about your experience, it’s given me a bit of a kick to start incorperating it into my daily routine!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s precisely where I was at. It took me just saying “I’m going to do it no matter what” and sticking with that for it to become a routine. I didn’t let myself go a day without it for those first 30 days and then it was almost like a good addiction. Now, I can’t imagine “rest day” because even on days when I need rest, yoga can be beneficial to it. Sometimes it’s just a simple vinyasa and meditation and that’s all I need (or can do)!
Sumedha says
I haven’t been good at exercising or doing something physical for long other than going on walks because I only get motivated to have a good walk haha. But my aunt practices yoga religiously and have heard how it has helped her in the long run. Glad to see it helping you too!
Stephanie Whitman says
See, even walks can feel overwhelming for me sometimes, so I admire you for sticking with those! It sounds strange, but I regularly struggle with being outside due to the different elements. However, yoga has been something I can practice anywhere, anytime, and no matter how I feel there’s always a practice to suit me. I’m grateful for the impact it has had!
alita says
I have practiced yoga many times but I haven’t been consistent with it. Indeed, there are so many things we can benefit from it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s definitely where I was before I committed to that first 30-day program. When I finally decided I was going to show up to the mat every day no matter what, it completely reprogrammed my brain. Now I can’t imagine a day without yoga in it, no matter how simple!
Jenny in Neverland says
I loveee this post! I’ve been practicing Yoga almost daily for probably around 5 years now, I’m an avid Yogi and fascinated by the practice. I recently signed up to Yoga With Adriene’s Find What Feels Good membership as well, to get more Yoga content from her and it’s fabulous. I’ve learned all these things too over the years; it’s SO nice to hear how it’s benefitted someone so much! I hope you keep up with it π xxx
Stephanie Whitman says
I knew you were a big fan of Adriene’s videos already as I’d seen that a few times in your blog posts. It makes me so happy that she’s had such a positive impact on so many lives! Her method of teaching is unlike any other yogi I’ve ever seen and I just love it so much. I’m definitely considering a FWFG membership! It sounds like it would be so beneficial in the long-run!
Cristina Rosano says
I have tried Yoga with Adrienne years ago when I was still back at home and really liked it, but then for one thing or the other, I started taking a day off which became a month off and so on. But I am so glad to read that it helped you in so many ways and not only while practising on the mat! I really need to give it a chance again x
Lee says
This is so heartwarming and beautiful to read. I am so glad you’ve found such strength (physical and emotional) from Yoga! I have had a similar relationship to working out as you’ve had (very on and off based on my chronic illness). I really want to get better at yoga though – I have a current goal of doing it three times a week. I’ve previously done some Yoga with Adrienne and loved her as much as you do, but now being 6 months pregnant I’m still trying to find the best youtube pre-natal yoga classes. The hunt continues!
XO
Lee
Lucy says
I’m so happy to hear that yoga has benefitted you so much and now you look forward to doing it! I can’t seem to get into yoga but I think it’s one of those types of exercises which I would like to try again one day! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Neely Moldovan says
WOW! HOw amazing is this? I feel like doing 60 consecutive days of something like this would do amazing things for not only your body but your mentality! I really should try this!
Donna says
Ahhhhh! Iβm so happy that you are feeling freedom, and strength and healing!
Are you still using the mat I bought you years ago? Iβm so glad you came back to it and really gave it a serious try. Itβs wonderful that itβs helping in many ways!
Deborah says
Yes yes yes! I got really into yoga starting 2018 and now I can’t imagine even a week going by without my having gone through a few sun salutations! So glad that you found it beneficial for you too!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
It’s amazing how much yoga has helped you! Those are all amazing changes! Especially the mental ones and your gut. It makes me want to try yoga again. I’ve tried several times, but I don’t enjoy it. I’m more of a cardio/fast-paced exercise person. But with my anxiety and PMDD, what you’re describing sounds like it could be perfect.
Raji says
Great post! I try to do about half an hour of yoga early every morning, and definitely relate to what you’ve described here. Yoga is such a calming form of exercise to the point that it doesn’t feel like working out at all for me, which makes it that much easier to form the habit of a daily routine. Thanks for sharing!
Alexis says
Seeing you keep up with yoga makes me miss it! I love how my body feels when I do yoga, but I have such a hard time making it part of my routine.
Cristina Rosano says
I so so found myself in your words Stephanie! I started the 30-day Center in January after I saw it on your Instagram stories and honestly thank you! I had already tried yoga on You Tube and the only one I liked as well was Adriene, but then I never kept up with it! I find it so amazing to see how much it has helped you and only in 17 days can I totally see how it helps me start my day well even if I had a rough night! So happy for you and congratulations on this amazing achievement!
Jodie says
Your post is timely because Iβve been searching for some local yoga classes in my area! The benefits youβve found from yoga are what Iβve been needing. Thanks for sharing!
Simona says
AHHHHH congrats on 365 consecutive days of yoga! I do not have that strength, but hopefully i will get the same spark at some point because i really do want to start doing something for myself like that!
I'm All Booked Up says
These are some amazing benefits of doing Yoga every day. We’re trying to at least stretch every day to improve flexibility and make our muscles feel better. It was really great to read your reflections on how Yoga has improved your life.