6 Ways Yoga Transformed My Life

There are two key chapters in my life: The days before I discovered yogini Adriene Mishler on YouTube, and the days after. Life before discovering the power of my breath included frequent panic attacks followed by depressive episodes, disliking myself – especially as a mother, and constantly thinking about anything other than the present moment.

Daily practices ranging from 15 minutes to an hour has given me more confidence than ever. I'm finally pursuing my dreams, my anxiety is controlled, and I glow with pride for my gorgeous son. Here are 6 ways yoga transformed my life.

1. Panic attacks are a rarity

Oh, the endless cycle of panic attacks, or paninis, as my sister and I like to call them. Just watching a movie, minding my business when out of nowhere, my heart is racing, thoughts don’t make any sense, I’m freezing to death, and I’m trembling. Get under a blanket, wait 20 minutes, and I’ve overcome the worst of it…

Until the next day when I’m too worried about having another one that I can’t focus on what’s in front of me. Let’s also not sleep tonight because we might as well add to the vicious cycle that is anxiety and depression. I powered through the attacks, but it was exhausting and affecting my relationships, as well as my health.

A year and a half into my self-discovery journey – and panic attacks are so rare, they’re almost non-existent. My anxiety levels – considering the divisive atmosphere in the US, the loss of my rights as a woman, mass shootings on the regular, etc. — are surprisingly manageable. Instead of judging any intrusive thoughts I might have, I simply see them for what they are: thoughts.

Studies are consistently showing that yoga and meditative practices are beneficial when it comes to reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. (Source) I’m here to tell you, my anxiety has transformed from the Druun in Raya and the Last Dragon to a tiny flame that gets exacerbated very infrequently. I’m forever grateful to yoga for this transformation.

2. I have empathy for all life

I mentioned I see myself clearly. With that clarity comes empathy for others. The pain and joy of others is no stranger to me. I have mourned with the families of Uvalde, Texas, and I have cried tears of joy when the contestant won a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune.

This respect for others extends past humans. I find myself trapping spiders and letting them go outside rather than smashing them with my Swiffer. They’re just doing their spider job out there.

Don't get me started on trees... Their widespread roots under the ground, the sturdiness of their trunks, the life cycle in front of our very eyes with the change of their leaves’ colors... I mean, trees literally turn sunlight into resources we need to live. Incredible!

Yoga has helped me see clearly what a beautiful and unique thing it is to simply be alive and that we should respect ALL others’ experiences here.

3. I’ve hired a therapist

I believe yoga teaches us to strive for the best version of ourselves. When we learn to be kind to ourselves and comfortable in our skin, there will be a ripple effect of kindness and stability in our lives.

Whilst panic attacks are common, I don’t believe they are something we have to live with. As I already mentioned, yoga has been a huge therapeutic tool of mine. However, I wanted to dig deeper within myself, hence the therapist. Talking to an unbiased professional that I feel absolutely at ease with has been a third key chapter in my life.

Don’t just take my opinion! Studies show that therapy literally helps your brain develop and grow. “Good psychotherapy produces physical changes in the brain that allow for better functioning, integration, and regulation of neural systems.” (Source) Just talk it out and your brain works better!

Reason #4: I’m a much happier mom and person

Before starting my journey, almost every day as a stay-at-home mom included some type of Mom Guilt. “He's constipated… I must be feeding him terribly… We don't do enriching activities together… Too much screen time… I need to read to him more.” There’s been enough guilt trips to circle the Earth.

It wasn’t just the Mom Guilt, either. When I looked in the mirror, I did not like what I saw. In fact, pinpointing each thing I disliked had become a regular habit. I would degrade myself internally and to others.

Not anymore, brain! Throughout my daily practice, I’ve learned the importance of positive self-talk. It took time and consistency, but yoga taught my brain to be encouraging, not demeaning. There is science behind this, too. Dr. Daniel J. Siegel has written several enlightening books on what mindfulness does for the brain. See Mindsight and Aware.

My newfound sense of presence helps me to realize I’m a wonderful mother. My son is safe, and loved unconditionally. When he kisses me and tells me I’m his favorite girl in the world, I cherish it. He will be grown in the blink of an eye and I will miss every second of him being little.

When I look in the mirror these days, the reflection I see is a beautiful, kind, strong woman. Deep breath. I feel absolutely secure with who I am as a human on this planet.

Reason #5: Improved intimacy

Yoga has helped me learn what it means to be absolutely present with your mind, body, and spirit.

Turning off my thinking brain during times of intimacy has been something I’ve struggled with, even before becoming a mother. Add the difficulty of finding alone time when you’re raising a toddler, and switching from mom mode into sexy wife mode becomes even more difficult... Enter mindfulness.

Multiple researchers have shown that one type of meditation, mindfulness, helps resolve several sex problems. (Source) Other studies go further to show meditation can enhance your sex life. (Source) It focuses practitioners' thoughts intently on the present moment. Sex is always better when you feel calm, centered, and focused on what’s happening to your body.

In my experience, there have been significant improvements to my overall sex life. I’m able to be fully present with my husband and when incorporating breathwork, I've had some of the most euphoric moments (cough, orgasms) with my husband, and by myself. ;) As far as this researcher goes, yoga meditation unquestionably improves intimacy.

Reason #6: Increased flexibility and strength

So far, my reasons have been about my mental well-being. Of course, yoga is wonderful for your physical health as well. The physical benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, and more. (Source)

When I started my journey, I was barely able to touch my toes and stop my thinking brain for more than a few minutes at a time. Now, I’m more flexible and feeling stronger than ever before. I look forward to getting on the mat and letting the outside world go.

In conclusion, yoga has had such a wonderful effect on my life that I was inspired to get my own yoga teacher certification. Less anxiety, a higher sense of well-being, and better physical health are just a few of the ways my life has significantly improved. I’m excited to continue my journey and see the limitless growth. Want to start yours?