Doing yoga regularly can improve your balance, flexibility, and strength, as well as boost your energy levels,provide stress relief, and aid your emotional and spiritual health. However, with many yoga studios closed due to the pandemic, it can often be difficult to stay on top of your practice.
Whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced yogi, you can get more out of it by making a few changes to your yoga practice at home. And fortunately, you don’t have to spend much money to see a difference.
Set a goal with the help of your smartphone
Your smartphone can be a great asset to your yoga progression. You can download free and cheap apps to set and track goals or to find different yoga workouts to do at home. It’s important to set goals, as well as intentions. Your intention can be something as simple as granting yourself grace in yoga class to improving your breathing techniques. Yoga intentions are something to focus on within your yoga practice that will enhance your everyday life as well.
Embrace technology to gear up your yoga practice
While technology usually refers to electronics, it can also apply to apparel. And with the growing popularity of yoga, designers are finding new and improved fabrics that wick moisture and easily move with your flow, providing an array of clothing for women that is affordable and easy to purchase. Many online retailers offer an array of different apparel for those who want to practice yoga. Plus, it’s easy to find coupons on all sorts of apparel if you do some digging.
Step outside your comfort zone
Sometimes, the easiest way to take your yoga practice to the next level is to force yourself out of your comfort zone. If you have been taking the same classes for months, you can switch it up when the yoga studios finally reopen. For example, try hot yoga or another form. Everyday Health recommends some unique yoga options, including yoga you can do with your dog and aerial yoga where you are suspended. Instead of arriving at the last minute and staying in the back row, come early and pull your mat up front where you can really focus on the instructor and yourself without the distraction of other yogis in front of you.
You can also change things up by adding props to your practice. Items like blocks, bolsters, and straps can help you deepen your poses and improve your alignment. When setting up your yoga space, consider the big picture. In order to be mindful and focused on your practice, remove the negative energy from your home by creating a clutter-free and well-lit space.
Stress quality over quantity
Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t find time or money to make it to yoga classes every single day. Set a more reasonable goal of practicing at least seven minutes each day, whether that’s at a local studio or in your yoga space at home. If you are dedicated to a small goal, you will find you almost always reach it, boosting your confidence and your practice.
Find a teacher you truly enjoy
If you feel like you have gotten into a yoga rut, maybe you don’t mesh well with the instructor. That’s not to say they aren’t a good teacher, but maybe just not a good match. Start looking around for other yoga classes and instructors in your area. Take advantage of introductory specials. Some studios offer the first week or first month of classes free. This is a great way to try out a few different studios and instructors to find one that’s a good fit.
If your yoga practice has not been advancing as well as you’d like or you find yourself just going through the motions but not enjoying it, these tips may give your practice the boost you need during the pandemic. Remember why you came to this practice. Was it to find physical or emotional health? Was it to calm your mind and bring more awareness to your life? If you found that you’ve strayed from your original intentions, reclaim them. By setting goals, changing your methods, and getting a little assistance from technology, you can start feeling happier, healthier, and more at peace with your practice.
by Sheila Johnson