Confession: I used to be competitive about Yoga. Here's why it was extremely detrimental to my health...

Confession: I used to be competitive when I did Yoga.

Can you relate?! Maybe you’ve been in class looking around at what other people are doing, trying to keep up with them, or more concerned about what you looked like than how your body felt. No judgement here!!

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the practice of Yoga, being competitive is literally the OPPOSITE of what you’re supposed to do!

In Yoga, the goal is to relax, slow down your mind, and release tension from your body. By connecting your mind with your body, you release stress, can “ground yourself” in the present moment, and are able to think more clearly.

In this state, you can achieve better focus, more creativity, and actually access higher states of processing in your brain, effectively making you a smarter version of yourself! (Your access to higher level executive thinking functions is reduced when you are in high or prolonged states of stress.)

The danger with being too competitive

Our mindset and beliefs can dictate so much of our life experience… even deeper than we can image. Even if we think we’re doing something “helpful” or “good for us” we can be doing the opposite if our mindset is not properly aligned.

The danger with being too competitive or serious - whether in yoga, other sports, or in life in general - is that you create additional tension and stress in your body. So instead of yoga being a helpful activity, it can actually cause more harm - to your mind and body - with a competitive mindset.

I recently heard someone relate seriousness to scarcity mindset and that deeply resonated with me! Obviously there is a time in place for serious matters, but an excess of seriousness and rigidity is detrimental in yoga and life.

When we become too rigid, we increase stress and block fluid and proper movement of our bodies and our minds! (see above about states of higher level executive functioning)

How to “snap out of it” and recalibrate your mind and body

First, know that yoga is not supposed to be a serious thing! The principles of yoga originate from the Vedas (ancient Indian texts) with the goal of sacrificing the ego (where competition comes from) in order to achieve higher states of being and wellness.

The first step is awareness… being aware of your thoughts and where your focus is.

When I find myself taking things too seriously, I pause and breathe deeply. At least 3 deep breaths.

Then I turn my attention to my body. I notice to see if I’m “holding” tension or tightness (contracted muscles) anywhere in my body. Wherever there is tenion (and there usually is!), I focus on that area, breathe, and mentally tell myself to “release” all the tension in that area.

Next, I tune in to my body and get curious about different sensations. I move or rub any area that feels tight.

Last, I try to add in playfulness, perhaps with a smile or shaking out some tension if I’m in a class. If I’m at home when I notice this, I might put on a fun song and have an impromptu dance party or simply stand up and more intensely shake out my body, release the tension in my neck, and arch my back a few times to get the blood flowing up my spine.

Reflection Questions

Where do you notice you get too serious?

Where are you creating tension rather than releasing it?

How do you release tension in your body? (It’s great to have a few options ready to go so you can easily reset no matter the situation you’re in!)

What’s Next?

Did you enjoy this and want to learn more about ways to release tension, increase wellness, reach higher levels of performance for your mind + body? Check out my Athlete Mindset & Mental Health Workshop.