The Power of 40 Days: How a Sadhana Shapes Our Wellness

You’ve probably heard people say: “Do something for 40 days and your life will change.”

This isn’t just spiritual folklore. In yogic tradition, a 40-day Sadhana, a daily practice held with devotion, has long been seen as a way to rewire the subconscious, release old habits, and anchor new ones. It’s a sacred container where discipline meets transformation.

And the beauty? It’s simple. One practice plan. Every day. Forty times.

I was first introduced to the power of a 40-day sadhana by my Ayurvedic coach, Bryre, back in 2020. At the time, I was working from home in my HR role and began my journey to find my purposee. She showed me that self-discipline wasn’t about being rigid or dogmatic, it was about breaking free from autopilot and honoring myself, my goals, and my body–mind–spirit connection. My first modern sadhana was simple on paper: morning yoga, evening yoga, and meditation. Sounds easy, right? But in reality, there were many nights in the middle, or even toward the end, when I wanted to skip the evening practice. Who would know? Only me. Sticking with it gave me something much greater than physical results: I felt confident, empowered, peaceful, and proud of myself. So much so that I started two more sadhanas back-to-back, adding new practices along the way. I could feel myself being pulled out of autopilot into a whole new perspective on my wellness and life path. This became a foundational tool in my holistic wellness toolbox, one I still return to whenever I need to recharge.

It’s easy for the mind to try to talk us out of things, Tony Robbins shares how even now, his mind would negotiate with him in the morning not to do his cold plunge. But he reminds himself, “I’m in control,” and once the habit is established, the resistance softens. I’ve found it’s the same with a 40-day sadhana. Just like when you sign up for a 6 a.m. yoga class, and your mind tries to bargain, “Stay in bed, skip this, that teacher is too hard.” But your deeper commitment to yourself is what gets you there anyway. Over time, you realize that teacher is challenging you because they see your strength. You leave class feeling proud, strong, and rooted in your discipline. That’s the magic of sadhana: the resistance becomes the edge where growth happens, and the discipline becomes the doorway to peace.

Why 40 Days?

In Kundalini Yoga, 40 days is considered the minimum amount of time it takes to break through subconscious blocks and let a new pattern take root. You’ll feel the first subtle shift around Day 8, deeper momentum by Day 21, and by Day 40 you embody a new rhythm entirely (3HO).

The number 40 also carries weight in many traditions. From biblical fasts to periods of mourning and renewal across cultures, 40 days has long been linked with testing, purification, and transformation (Global Soul Yoga).

It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, one day at a time.

The Science of Habit & Discipline

Modern psychology actually supports what the yogis have always said: repetition rewires the brain. Through neuroplasticity, every time we practice, we strengthen the pathways that make that practice easier the next time.

But here’s the catch: it often takes longer than we think. One study found it takes an average of 66 days for a habit to feel fully automatic (though some people needed more or less time) (PMC).

So why bother with 40? Because it’s long enough to build momentum, but short enough to hold in your hands. It’s a defined window where motivation may fade, but discipline carries you. And that discipline, choosing to honor your commitment even on hard days, is what builds trust in yourself.

What Happens When You Commit

Holding a sadhana for 40 days impacts every layer of wellness:

• Body: steadier energy, more restful sleep, greater ease in movement.

• Mind: clearer focus, calmer nervous system, less reactivity.

• Spirit: deeper connection, subtle synchronicities, a lightness that radiates.

I love how practitioners often describe Day 21 as the point where the practice is no longer something they do...it’s something they are.

Bringing the Sadhana Into Modern Life

We’re not living in ashrams. We have jobs, families, phones buzzing with notifications. But that doesn’t mean this ancient practice can’t work for us. Here’s how to adapt:

1. Keep it simple. Choose one thing or an easy tack of practices, ie. five minutes of breathwork, a short yoga sequence, daily journaling. Less is more when it comes to consistency.

2. Tie it to something stable. Right after brushing teeth, before coffee, before bed. Cues make habits stick, also known as habit stacking.

3. Track your days. Use a journal, calendar, or even a mandala where you fill in a piece each day.

4. Honor the restart rule. Traditionally, if you miss a day, you begin again. It sounds strict, but it teaches devotion and presence, and it's a key to your practice and the big picture.

5. Lean on modern supports. Automated reminders, accountability buddies, or guided emails can help keep you steady.

6. Pause and reflect. After 40 days, journal what shifted, and decide how you’ll carry it forward.

Why It Matters

A 40-day sadhana isn’t just about creating a new habit, it’s about creating a new relationship with yourself. You prove to yourself that you can show up, follow through, and finish what you begin.

By Day 40, you’re not just practicing discipline...you’ve built self-trust. And that’s a muscle you can carry into every part of life.

The truth is, you’ll always have to begin again. But that’s the gift: every restart is another chance to recommit. Over time, those restarts become less about “starting over” and more about remembering who you already are.

A 40-day sadhana is really an invitation to step out of autopilot and into intentional living. It’s not about perfection, it’s about devotion, showing up for yourself each day, and letting small, steady choices create big shifts. Whether you’re seeking a reset, craving more balance, or simply curious about how far discipline can carry you, the next 40 days are going to happen anyway. Why not let them transform you?

With love,

Nikki

✨ Want to experience a 40-day sadhana without doing it alone? That’s exactly why we created Bliss40. A guided email journey that delivers daily practices, reminders, and encouragement straight to your inbox. Plus a workbook to support your journey. Start anytime, restart as often as you need, and let the discipline carry you toward more peace, light, and balance.