Find the Fun: Keeping Your Yoga Practice Playful

TRUTH BOMB: most of us are way too serious when we don't need to be. Whether it’s from years of being in environments that demand order, precision, and discipline (sound familiar?), or just life piling on its usual weight, we often forget how to play. Even on the yoga mat, where it’s supposed to be all about letting go, we’re busy gripping too tightly—to our expectations, our egos, and, to some, that idea of looking Instagram-perfect in a Warrior Pose.

So, what if we didn’t? What if we let yoga be (gasp) fun? What if we used the mat as a playground instead of a performance stage? The good news: it’s absolutely possible. The better news: falling, flailing, and laughing are 100% encouraged. Here’s how to loosen up and let yoga remind you how to smile.

Step 1: Embrace the Wobble

Sometimes in life we're expected to stand tall and strong. Stoic and steady. But yoga? Yoga loves the wobble. The first time you try balancing in Tree Pose, odds are you’re going to topple. You may also topple on your 476th Tree Pose. You may find yourself at a Tree Pose TED Talk (I just made that up) as a SME and you still topple. And that’s the *point*. Falling is learning, and wobbling means you’re growing.

Instead of getting frustrated, try laughing. Seriously, laugh out loud the next time you tip over. You’ll feel ridiculous and free all at once. Remember: the mat doesn’t care if you nail the pose. It’s just happy you showed up.

Step 2: Be Curious, Not Perfect

Routine and order can be comforting, but they can also box you in. On the mat, give yourself permission to explore. Wonder what happens if you wiggle your hips in Downward Dog or add a little bounce in your Warrior II? Dance break during transitions? Do it. Spoiler alert: nobody’s coming to inspect your form. If it feels good, you're doing it right.

Yoga isn’t a pass/fail situation. It’s an ongoing experiment (that's why it's called a "practice", folks) where curiosity is the best tool in your kit. Think of your practice like reconnaissance—you’re gathering intel on what your body can do today, in this moment. And if it’s not much? That’s still intel.

Step 3: Make Noise

This one might be a bit of a hot take. There’s an unspoken rule in many yoga classes to stay quiet and serious. Let’s break that rule. Try making sound during your practice: a big sigh in Child’s Pose, a growly Lion’s Breath, or even a celebratory “Hell Yeah!” when you finally stick that balance. Sound releases tension and brings a sense of lightness that’s contagious. Annoyed by your mat neighbor's breathing? Use it to explore what's going on in your mind, on your mat. Stay curious about whatever comes up.

Bonus points if your sounds make someone else laugh—because yoga is better when you don’t take yourself too seriously.

Step 4: Celebrate the “Oops” Moments

Nobody likes to fail, especially when you’re used to operating in high-stakes environments where failure isn’t an option. But yoga thrives on the “oops.” Can’t reach your toes? Awesome. Fell off your mat trying a new balance pose? Amazing. The “oops” moments are where humility and humor live, and they’re what keep us grounded (literally).

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for effort. Show up, try your best, and let go of the outcome. The mat is a judgment-free zone, and nobody’s scoring you.

Step 5: Leave Your Ego at the Door

This is a tough one. That voice in your head that says you have to “get it right” or “look good” is just your ego talking. And guess what? Your ego is a buzzkill. Yoga asks you to set it aside so you can focus on what really matters: showing up for yourself, as you are.

Every time you catch yourself comparing (to others, to your past self, to some imaginary ideal), pause and take a breath. Then remind yourself: "It’s just yoga." You don’t win or lose. You just are.

The Final Stretch

Yoga doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. In fact, the less serious you are, the more space you create for growth, freedom, and joy. So next time you step on the mat, give yourself permission to wobble, wiggle, and maybe even fall. Smile when you do. And remember: It's just yoga.

After all, life is serious enough. Your mat is your space to let go.

Now go play. You’ve earned it.