The Nine-Step Guide to Getting Back on Track to a Consistent Yoga Practice
5th Nov 2022 | Author - Antaranga Ray
Do you sometimes start out with yoga but give it up shortly after a few days or even weeks? It is actually a relatively common scenario for individuals who are just starting their yoga practice. You may begin yoga with much enthusiasm and vigour, until it takes a backseat to other obligations of our daily lives. This is especially true after the long festive season with our regular routines gone for a toss. Therefore, getting back on track might seem a little arduous. But it’s not as difficult as it seems if we put our minds to it.
To put it modestly, simplicity is key to resuming our routines and even simpler when doing it with yoga. The purpose and essence of yoga is aligning your mind, body and soul. While practicing yoga, moving in a manner that feels comfortable and enjoyable is more important than making it challenging or attractive. Sometimes all you need is a little stretch while sitting and a chance to refocus and connect to your surroundings. Thus, yoga is a combination of techniques that raises your awareness and awakens the mind.
Here are some helpful tips for getting you back on track and keeping up a consistent yoga practice:
1. Establish a Goal
If you're having problems staying consistent with your yoga practice, go back to your original reasons for wanting to do it. Perhaps your goal in practicing is to become more self-aware and present or to live a more contemplative and tranquil life. Identifying your purpose is really important since it will give you the motivation to keep practicing.
2. Keep your Practice Brief and Simple
Remember that it's not everything or none at all. Even a little amount of practice consistently every day may go a long way. You don't always have to attend an hour-long session for your practice to be effective. You may still take part in shorter sessions to maintain consistency and achieve your goals. If you continually push yourself to accomplish longer workouts, you may soon burn out and feel unmotivated. The most vital point is to pay close attention to and identify your body's needs.
3. Follow a Timetable
Set aside a specific amount of time every day to devote completely to your yoga practice. Considering our lifestyles and routines are all different, everybody will encounter something challenging and distinctive. Choose a time that is convenient for you, but keep it consistent.
4. Be Inspired, Find Motivation
There are several ways to become inspired. One approach is to find a companion who will hold you accountable. A spouse, friend, or colleague to keep you on track and ensure that you reach your objectives. If you tell someone about your intention, you're highly likely to follow through on it. You may also take images to track your progress, evaluate your alignment, and make sure you're practicing efficiently.
5. Create a Dedicated Space
It can also be wonderful to create a pleasant and welcoming space in your house if you practice yoga there. Transform a room with your personal favourite items and plants, and ensure it's spacious enough for practicing yoga every day. It is relatively simple to not have to bother about creating extra room when there is a dedicated area.
6. Try Something New
It's advantageous to broaden your yoga practice by participating in a variety of techniques. If you frequently practise vinyasa and power yoga, try yin or anything slower-paced to achieve a nice balance. It's critical to try new things since monotony frequently results in a lack of drive. Depending on how you're feeling, there are many different methods to practise yoga. If maintaining consistency is tough for you, experiment with something new.
7. Apply Yoga in Everyday Life
The asanas are merely one aspect of yoga. Asanas are just one of the eight limbs of the yogic experience, thus it might be worthwhile to look into the profound philosophical foundations of yoga. Apply the core values of empathy, gratitude, and non-violence to your day-to-day activities. And you will see how your mindset and behaviour change for good as you may very well develop tolerance, compassion, and resilience via the daily practice of yoga.
8. Add Reminders Around You
You'll be much more likely to follow through with your goals if you place reminders of it all throughout your home. Post it with plans and milestones, yogic images and posters, and social media profiles of inspiring individuals. Reminders should be posted where you will come across them often. It will serve as a constant reminder of the reason you're doing something like this, which will motivate you to keep going.
9. Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself
Positive reinforcement is the most effective strategy for ensuring consistency. Create rewards for yourself whenever you persistently practice. Make it as something appealing, treating yourself to a relaxing spa day or buying new yoga gear. Doing something special for yourself will motivate you to strive towards your goals.
