I Thought Yoga Was Supposed to Be Relaxing!???

During a recent conversation with a friend, I was reminded of when I first started practicing yoga. I didn't know anything about the practice back then—I just showed up ready to learn. That was over 20 years ago. These days, many people come to yoga with preconceived notions. They've heard the good news: yoga can help with anxiety, depression, obesity, self-confidence, weakness, and inflexibility of both the mind and body. Some expect one class to be an instant cure-all for life's stress. Light some candles, stretch a little, and then poof – total bliss. I mean, isn't yoga supposed to be relaxing?

But when we get to the mat, reality hits. The untrained mind does NOT stop racing, the body feels stiff and awkward, the eyes won't close, and we're often just exhausted by the end of class.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Here's the Truth: Relaxation is a Skill

Relaxation doesn't happen just because you roll out a yoga mat. It takes time, practice, and patience to develop like any skill. This is especially true if you're coming to the mat with anxiety, stress, or the whirlwind of modern life swirling in your head.

The Challenge of the First Time on the Mat

For many people, their first yoga class is anything but relaxing. Your thoughts might race: Am I doing this right? Everyone else looks so calm. Why can't I stop thinking about my to-do list? And that's okay. It's part of the process.

The thing about yoga is that it meets you exactly where you are. If your baseline is anxiety or tension, your first experiences might feel uncomfortable or even frustrating. But stick with it because yoga gently guides you toward something more profound—a quiet strength and calm that lives within you, even if it feels out of reach.

Relaxation is Earned, Not Given

Here's the secret: relaxation is something you work toward, not something handed to you on a silver platter. It's a gradual unlearning of the patterns that keep your mind and body in overdrive. Yoga provides the tools—breathwork, movement, mindfulness—but it's up to you to use them consistently.

At first, you might not notice much beyond how tight your hamstrings feel or how hard it is to stay still in savasana. But over time, as you keep showing up, your body releases its grip. Your breath becomes steadier. Your thoughts quiet down. And little by little, you learn what relaxation really feels like.

Why the Work is Worth It

The beautiful thing about yoga is that its benefits extend far beyond the mat. The patience and persistence you cultivate in your practice can help you navigate stress in other areas of your life. You'll find yourself taking a deep breath instead of snapping when something goes wrong. You'll notice moments of calm in situations that used to overwhelm you. And yes, you'll get to the point where the mat becomes your sanctuary—a place where you can truly relax.

A Gentle Reminder

If you've struggled with relaxation in your yoga practice, know you're not doing anything wrong. There's no magic shortcut, but there is a path—and you're already on it just by showing up. Give yourself grace. Trust the process. And remember that every small step you take leads you closer to the calm and balance you seek.

So the next time you think, "I thought yoga was supposed to be relaxing," try and remind yourself that relaxation is something you learn, not something you stumble upon. And the learning? That's where the real magic happens. If you commit to attempting yoga consistently, just once a week for six weeks, comment and let me know how it goes! I'd love to know.

Namaste my friends,

Kristin