5 Tips to Stay Motivated!

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn

Okay, so you believe that a positive living approach is the way to go. You’re meeting and greeting the world with a whole new positive attitude and your life is starting to show the signs of success. People are actually being influenced by your new positive attitude and are sending positive vibes your way.  Positivity is contagious after all and spreading joy really works!

Then something happens…

You receive some not so pleasant news and you feel like you’re right back where you started! The negativity spiral begins…

The grey days are there to check your resolve – remember stay focused – the sun will shine through the dark clouds and create a RAINBOW!

What can you do to start doing on a regular basis to stay motivated?

Putting together a personal motivation plan can definitely keep you on track. Motivation is, as the word itself suggests, a MOTIVE for ACTION.

Below are a few suggestions to get you started:

1) Incorporate  Motivation Daily

Is it possible to be positive and optimistic all the time? NO WAY! 

It’s true that motivation doesn’t last forever, however,  if you work at it by keeping yourself on track, then you will have many more UP days than DOWN. If you want to stay continuously motivated, you’ll need to integrate motivational tools into your life. Just like we need daily food for physical energy, we also need daily motivational tools like affirmations, positive quotes, meditations, etc. to feed our mental health.

2) Build A Motivational Base

Read or listen to motivational material daily. Check out the online bookstore or Amazon to find yourself some inspirational books, poems, or workbooks. A well-written book that offers sound advice is more motivating than reading about the latest pandemic news or market decline. Alternatively, If you have no time to sit down and read a book, then try audiobooks. Audio is valuable to listen to, simply because you have the ability to multitask while you’re listening. Spending half an hour every day listening to motivational CDs or MP3s in your car or while working out.

Check out the Happy News website or the Bobby Bones radio show (listen to the Tell Me Something Good segment!)  They will start your day with a smile and positive feeling with their fresh outlook on what’s going right in the world around us 🙂

3) Have A Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise regularly. It helps your body to work more effectively and efficiently. When the body moves, the mind shifts even more. An active body promotes a healthy mind. Set aside time each week to exercise your body. You’ll be more productive when you return to work.

4) Participate in Enjoyable Activities

Determine which activities give you real pleasure, excite you, and allow your talents to shine. The activity should make you feel good about yourself and promote positive emotions. When you enjoy what you do, you tend to automatically excel and succeed effortlessly. With each success, your self-esteem will grow and will motivate you to greater heights. 

5) Remind Yourself of Your Goals

You should have clearly written down goals or an action plan with concrete deadlines. Jot down the necessary steps to achieve your goals. Remind yourself constantly of these goals. Place sticky notes on your bathroom mirror or create a vision board to have visual reminders of your goals. You will develop a strong desire to attain your goals. Your subconscious mind will steer our daily activities and action towards attaining these goals. If you know what you want and want it badly enough, then you will surely get it. Strangely, what you do today has everything to do with where you’ll be in 6 months.

In order to get ahead, you must always be motivated. All the motivation in the world won’t do anything for you unless YOU ACT NOW and apply these steps, believe in yourself, and then let the results inspire you!

Along the way, count your blessings at every opportunity, every obstacle or resistance you encounter, and be grateful for the journey.

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha

P.S Check out these great motivational quotes to get you started!

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How to Make Relaxation a Priority Starting TODAY!

Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.    ~Norman Vincent Peale

Some of us have more anxious tendencies, it’s just a part of our genetic makeup. I’ve lived with anxiety for many years and disorder but over the last few years. I have slowly taught myself to incorporate relaxation and self-care into my daily life. You don’t have to be stuck in stressed-out mode constantly; you too can change your outlook and attitude to truly master the art of relaxation.

For some of us, relaxing is easy, while for others, it has to be learned. My personal experience was definitely that I had to make the conscious decision to let things go and focus on staying calm. The joy of relaxing is that if you do not know how automatically, then you can learn quite easily. It will take some trial and error to determine the right tools and techniques,  but I assure you that it’s a learnable skill.

With TIME and PRACTICE you, too, can incorporate some calm into your daily life.

Once you’ve decided to incorporate relaxation into your life, the next step is to take ACTION! A great way to learn how to relax is to start with a meditation-related activity you enjoy. There are several forms of meditation and any library can get you started.

Next, you can incorporate the TOOLS you need to learn to relax:

1. Learning

Books, DVDs, and Podcasts are always available to begin your learning journey. A quick Amazon search or visit to your local bookstore can open up an array of possibilities!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

2. Doing

If yoga is your top choice for relaxation, then find a colorful yoga mat and DVD, or buy the DVD for your gaming system. Why not go all out and treat yourself a new yoga outfit to be inspired to move even more! 

Photo by Burst

3. Experiencing

One of the most rewarding tips for learning to relax is to grab a friend and incorporate them into the equation, that way you have a partner that will keep you accountable, encourage you to participate, and that you can share the experience. When you only have yourself to answer to, it is too easy to make excuses. A good friend, however, will not let you get away with that!

Photo by Cottonbro

4. Time

Schedule your relaxation session and let everyone know that you are not to be disturbed. If your family wants a happy you, then they need to respect that space. If staying home and trying to relax proves pointless, join a yoga class or meditation group. You can also meditate while walking or find a local park to sit under a tree, or sway back and forth on a swing.

The motion of the swing can help you find balance!

It’s important to create a TIME, SPACE, and PLACE for your relaxation activities. This action of making a plan will speak volumes to you, as it will allow you to commit to the art and act of relaxation.

Learning to relax is something that is very doable if you just put in a little time and effort.

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha

Yoga – Which type is for you?

Wellness is a connection of paths: knowledge and action. – Joshua Welch

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com

Yoga has been becoming more and more popular in the Western world today. The number of Yoga studios and classes continue to skyrocket and there are several different types of yoga to explore.

With plenty of choices from Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga, it can definitely challenging to find the right fit for your needs.

Let’s go over the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can determine which category is right for you.

Hatha Yoga

In Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) Ha means sun and that means moon which reminds me of the balance of the Yin and Yang . This type of Yoga is relatively slow-paced, gentle, and is a good place to begin. If you’re a yoga newbie and have not yet learned any of the asanas (poses) then Hatha yoga is a great starting point. Like the basis of all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aspires to unite the mind, body, and spirit.

Ashtanga Yoga

This type of Yoga means eight limbs in Sanskrit and will be a full-body experience. It’s a fast-moving, intense style of Yoga based on a continuous set of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you are constantly being directed to transition from one asana intonext, so you may find that your stamina will improve as well as your flexibility and strength.

Power Yoga

Also known as Yoga Flow,  this is a western interpretation of Yoga that is based on the basics of Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting. The transition from one pose to the next is intended to be smooth.

Iyengar Yoga

This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Iyengar, who developed a style of yoga that is characterized in the practice of asana and pranayama with the innovative approach emphasizing precision and alignment, planned sequencing, timing and the use of blocks and straps to help align the body into different poses. Iyengar concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body.

Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time instead of moving constantly from one pose to the next.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement and is another fast-paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice, each pose is balanced with a counterpose.

Bikram Yoga

Also called Hot Yoga, it is practiced in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally, a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

If you are just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best. I had been interested in yoga for many years and would occasionally take a class for a few months and try something new.  It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with anxiety that I truly appreciated the positive changes that it could have on my mind and body. 

While recovering from burnout, my doctor suggested that I try a local yoga class – what he really wanted was for me to get out of the house, surround myself with people and move my body. I signed up for a ten class trial and feel in love with hot yoga!  Here is why it works for me so well:

1. The room at 40-degrees Celcius makes me feel like I’m on a beach vacation

2) Until the class starts I would lie on my yoga mat and focus on breathing – I imagine myself lying in the sun’s rays, breathing in the ocean air.

3) The stretches to begin the class, such as cat-cow and sun salutations, awaken my body and muscles to remind me of the strength that I possess to get through the day.

4) The heat in the room enables my body to achieve more than I think I am capable of.  I am reminded of how I need to trust in my abilities and push past my imagined limitations to truly achieve my goals.

5) By the end of the class, known as Savasana, I am exhausted – in a good way! The highlight for me is that my yoga teacher puts a cold face cloth that has been infused with eucalyptus oil on my forehead to cool down.  My brain is calm and I am reminded of a wonderful day at a spa. I am Zen and it only took 1 hour to achieve this bliss. 

Remember, there is no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga. I enjoy Bikram Yoga the most, but I also started to practice Power and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety and build on the positive changes that I have experienced in my mind and physical body.

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha

Tips for Avoiding Yoga Injuries

Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are ― Jason Crandell

Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

Do you think that yoga is an injury free practice and that there is no way you to get really hurt moving so slowly? Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Without theI’m proper care and planning, yoga injuries can be quite common. In order to protect yourself, I put together a few pointers and keep you safe.

#1 Listen to Your Body

Depending on your personality, the yoga instructor, and your fellow yogis, it can be easy to get somewhat competitive. Pushing your body too far on any given day can quickly result in a painful injury. 

Understanding that some days will be better days than others and that your sleep, diet, and focus can all affect your performance in some way. Instead of thinking “I was able to do this pose last week,” or “Heidi is rocking this pose, I need to push myself more,” listen to what your body is telling you. If it’s a day to challenge yourself, fantastic! If it’s a day to hold back, then listen to what your body is telling you. 

#2 Choose a Knowledgeable Yogini

Yoga is an extraordinarily popular practice and there are classes in just about every community in the world. The immense growth of yoga studios means a tremendous increase in the number of instructors too. Be aware that not all instructors are not created equal – some are very skilled while others still learning. 

Amateur instructors can unintentionally cause injuries by pushing students too far or by positioning your body into a pose that you’re not ready for. Pay attention to your instructor’s attitude and practices. How do they handle beginners? Are they willing to talk to you before or after class to give you some one on one pointers or attention? Additionally, you should review their accreditation and talk to fellow yogis to get their opinions on the. Many yoga studios put Bios of their instructors on their websites and you can usually find some reviews in local facebook groups.

#3 Give Yourself Time to Learn

Everyone starts yoga at the same place, as a beginner. Allow yourself time to be a beginner and ease into the practice. It is your journey and it will be more valuable if you take the time to absorb what is happening around you and how it makes you feel. You need to know that it can take some time to find the right instructor, studio and yoga type that fits your needs and personality. Grant yourself time to learn and give your body time to adapt.

#4 Develop a Routine

 Also, give your body time to warm up before and cool down after class. As you ease into and out of each class, you’ll give your body time to adapt and do what you request of it. That also means going into postures slowly and coming out of them slowly, too. This routine will help you be in the moment and help you be conscious of the mind/body connection.

In order to get the most benefit out of your practice, it’s very important to be consistent in taking at least one yoga class once a week. The more time you give your body to practice the movements, become flexible and strong, the better your experience will be. Most importantly you’ll reduce your risk of injury. Yoga is wonderful for your body, mind, and spirit. Take it easy on yourself and prevent injuries so you can enjoy your practice all year round.

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha

5 Step Goal Setting Plan

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. – Lao Tzu

You don’t need to have a structured SMART goal to make changes in your life.  Simply start with a vision of where you want to be or what you want to change, then set a realistic goal, stay on track with the easy steps listed below.

1. Know Your Goal

Your first task is to discover exactly what your goal will be. What will you achieve to demonstrate you reached your goal? What does that goal really look like? Be very specific about what your desired end result is and by when you hope to see changes in your life. This step should result in a clear mental picture with lots of details.

2. Create Time to Plan

In the beginning all you have is a rough concept, a glimmer of a dream. When you develop a complete set of tasks, you immediately move closer to success. The plan also needs to include what you are going to give up.  If you already have a busy schedule, you will need to delegate responsibilities to other family members, decline a few social activities or even miss watching your favourite show on TV to make room for the new tasks you will need to implement. However and wherever you can carve out the time to work on your goal.

3. Focus on your Goal Everyday

I’m sure you probably want to achieve your goal as fast as possible. So focus on the goal daily, visualize the end result, and do a little something everyday to move you to the new goal. Without daily focus, bad habits that have kept you from your goal in the past may take over and make you feel discouraged. The only way to override negative subconscious messages is to consciously target what you DO want! Don’t let distractions take over. Life WILL try to get in your way!

4. Be Passionate

One of the most powerful tools in your “Goal Planning Tool Box” is having real passion for your goal. Strong desire for your goal will help you ingrain the goal into your brain and new routine. Intense passion for your goal will also help you squash any inappropriate old “failure” messages that are lingering in your subconscious mind.

5. Ready, Set, Action

In many ways, actually taking action can be the hardest step. You need to remember that a goal is built by taking one small action after another to create positive change. If you can commit to do at least one small action per day, then your actions will add up and make a difference. Avoid sitting back and waiting for everything to magically happen.

One of the keys that works for me is to brainstorm using different colored pencils or actually create a vision board using magazines and craft supplies I have lying around the house. I am a visual person, so these types of activities help me create a visual reminder of what I’m working towards and all the pieces that will help me be successful.

Share your goal on the Violet Buddha Facebook Page and the Tribe will cheer you on!

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha