30 Yoga Affirmations to Deepen Your Practice

Yoga has gained so much popularity in recent years as more people recognize how it benefits the body, mind, and soul.

There are so many different styles and options to suit everybody, from gentler meditative classes to more powerful and sweaty workouts.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis has so many benefits, but have you ever considered adding positive affirmations into your routine?

In this article we’ll explore how yoga and the use of affirmations can be combined to make your practice even more effective. 

The benefits of yoga 

Yoga is the practice of specific physical and mental disciplines that originated in ancient India. It works with an eight-point philosophy, with each limb having a different focus.

This includes ethical codes of conduct, healthy diet choices, proper breathing techniques for effective relaxation while practicing poses (asanas), concentration on body alignment, mindfulness about how you feel physically and emotionally during a session, and finally meditation where one can progress towards inner peace.

Yoga is becoming more and more popular with each passing year. This ancient practice has many benefits, including relieving stress, increasing flexibility, improving health and making you feel happier.

Yoga can help you relax your mind and body which in turn helps with anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and more. It also promotes relaxation and mindfulness which could help reduce stress levels in your mind and body.

Respecting the tradition

It’s important to note the cultural origins of yoga, and respect that this practice is thousands of years old. Yoga is much deeper than a simple exercise class; it’s a way of life, and it isn’t just focused on improving the body.

Some people believe that yoga classes practiced here in the west aren’t really even yoga classes at all. Just focusing on the physical aspect of yoga leaves out so many key parts of the discipline.

It’s a good idea to be mindful and respectful of this ancient practice when you step on your yoga mat. Consider doing your own research on the origins of yoga, whilst being appreciative of the benefits it brings.

How can affirmations work with yoga?

The use of mantras during a yoga class is common, and helps you focus at different points during your practice.

Although a mantra is usually one word, syllable, or utterance, we can take this idea further by including a positive affirmation.

Positive affirmations are uplifting and inspirational statements written in the present tense that help challenge negative self talk. You can read about the science behind them here.

You can use affirmations in many different ways, and work well when combined with yoga. The physical benefits of yoga combined with the mental benefits of affirmations mean you can enhance your yoga practice.

Here are a variety of different ways you can combine yoga and affirmations:

1. During meditation. If meditation is part of your yoga practice, you can use affirmations as a point of focus. As you settle in and begin to enter a meditative state, you can use your affirmation as a mantra. This helps focus the mind and provides clarity.
2. During a difficult class. You might find your mind wandering or negative thoughts begin to creep in during a fiery or fast paced class. Affirmations can provide you with motivation and resilience to keep focused, helping you maintain your focus.
3. During a relaxing class. Gentler forms of yoga such as yoga nidra and yin yoga help your body and mind relax. If you struggle to let go, you can repeat accepting and calming affirmations to help you unwind. 

Yoga affirmations 

Use the following affirmations before, during, or after your yoga practice. Feel free to choose the ones that resonate, and leave the ones that don’t. 

You might wish to write down your favorite ones in a journal, and place them next to your yoga mat for your practice.

Yoga affirmations for motivation 

1. I can and I will.
2. I am focused and motivated.
3. My body is strong and flexible. 
4. I am fully capable.
5. I trust my body to carry me through this class.
6. My body is getting stronger and healthier.
7. I am proud of myself for looking after my body. 
8. I inhale strength and exhale doubt. 
9. My inner fire is activated and fuels me through class.
10. I am stronger than I realize. 
11. I am amazed at my progress.
12. My breath is powerful and flows freely.
13. I love moving my body.
14. I rise to the challenge with grace. 
15. My energy increases with every class I take. 

Yoga affirmations for calm and relaxation 

1. I allow myself to relax and let go.
2. I know I am safe during this class.
3. My body relaxes deeper with each breath.
4. I choose to unwind and shed any worry.
5. I feel safe and supported at all times.
6. My mind, body, and spirit are balanced and grounded.
7. I inhale relaxation and exhale worry. 
8. I am so grateful for the opportunity to relax.
9. My breath anchors me to the present moment. 
10. I am proud of myself for making time for self care. 
11. I release the need for control. 
12. My natural state is one of peace and tranquility. 
13. I am willing to rest and relax. 
14. I surrender to the flow of my body and breath.
15. My energy balances with every class I take.

Affirmations for mindfulness and spirituality

1. I am connected to the infinite.
2. I see myself as part of greater whole.
3. My yoga mat is a sacred space.
4. I allow my intuition to guide my movements.
5. I trust the timing of the Universe.
6. My heart is open and my spirit is balanced.
7. I flow in a state of gratitude.
8. I am a divine being.
9. Inner peace flows to me in all ways.
10. I believe in the wisdom of the divine.

Final thoughts 

Yoga and affirmations work well together to produce a variety of positive effects. You can use affirmations before, during,  and after yoga class. Allow affirmations to focus your mind during difficult class and calm your mind during relaxing classes. Have you considered combining yoga and affirmations before? Try in next time you step onto your mat.