Yoga jumps in and out of the public eye, but it always seems to be having a moment. Maybe it’s the recent biohacking wellness craze, or maybe it’s just that yoga influencers are taking over Instagram, but what happens when the moment passes? Life gets in the way—work, family, kids, you name it. It’s hard enough to find time for a workout, let alone an hour-long yoga class followed by some much-needed meditation.
For many of us, our yoga mats get relegated to the back of the closet, gathering dust until the next time yoga is en vogue.
Don’t worry, we get it. That’s why we put together this list of the top seven ways to stay dedicated to your yoga practice and reap the benefits.
Set a regular time for yoga
Almost everyone feels good after yoga. It's the getting there that's the hard part. Making time for yoga can be difficult, but if you set a regular time for practice, it will become part of your routine. Just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, once you do it enough, it won't feel like such a chore.
Some people find mornings the best time for yoga while others prefer evenings. Find what works best for you and commit fully. Don't say that you'll do yoga “when you have time” or “whenever you feel like it.”
Even if it's just 10 minutes a day, a consistent yoga schedule will be much more beneficial than intense marathon sessions sporadically. it's harder to focus when you only practice yoga occasionally, and you're more likely to get injured—dampening your motivation even further.
A set yoga schedule helps you prepare your mind to slough off the rest of the day's worries and be more mindful of your practice.
Find a yoga style that suits you
There are so many different types of yoga out there, from hot yoga to Kundalini yoga to restorative yoga. We could give you some tips on the most popular styles, but that's not very helpful if you've never tried yoga before.
A better solution is to check out some local studios and see what they offer. Most places will have a variety of classes, so you can try out different styles until you find one that works for you.
Don't worry about whether you're doing it “right.” There is no right or wrong way to do yoga. The only goal is to find a practice that feels good for you.
Set an intention for your practice
Before you even step on the mat, take a few moments to set an intention for your practice. This can be anything from wanting to release stress to wanting to increase your flexibility.
Not only does setting an intention help to avoid distractions, but it also helps you to be more mindful of your yoga asana.
The important thing is that you have a clear idea of what you want to get out of your yoga practice. This will help you focus and make the most of your time on the mat.
Find a good yoga teacher
A good yoga teacher can make all the difference in your practice. A good teacher will be able to give you modifications for poses, offer hands-on assistance, and answer any questions you have.
A good yoga teacher will also be able to create a safe and welcoming environment in which you can feel comfortable trying new things. Do you want a strict teacher or a more laid-back one? Do you want someone serious about yoga or someone who is more lighthearted?
Yoga teachers are a diverse bunch, so you'll likely be able to find one that suits your personality and needs.
Make it a social event
If you find yoga to be a bit of a snooze, try making it a social event. There are yoga classes specifically for groups, such as friends or couples. Having just one friend in yoga class can make it more enjoyable.
This gives you something to look forward to and also holds you accountable for going to class.
Create a home practice space
No matter how strict you are with your yoga schedule, there will be days (or even weeks) when you just can't make it to class. Whether it's for travel, work, or family obligations, there will be times when your yoga studio is out of reach.
A home yoga space doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just clear a space in your living room or bedroom where you can roll out your yoga mat and practice.
We like to think of a home yoga space as a personal sanctuary. This is where you can de-stress, get away from it all, and just focus on your practice—so wherever you choose to create your space, make sure it's a place that you feel comfortable in.
Self-learn with yoga apps
If you're more of a DIY type, then there are plenty of yoga apps out there that can help you self-learn. With yoga apps, you can learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.
Lots of yoga apps offer free content, so you can try out a few to see which one you like best. Once you find one you're happy with, you can upgrade to a paid version for more features and options.
There are also yoga apps specifically for kids, so if you have little ones at home, they can join in on the fun too!
Yoga might seem easy enough, but it's actually a complex and nuanced practice. There are so many different styles, poses, and variations that it can be overwhelming for a beginner.
With these seven tips, you'll be well on your way to starting (and sticking with) your yoga practice. So what are you waiting for? Get on the mat and see for yourself how yoga can change your life!
