It’s the start of another year and whether you subscribe to the “new year, new you” phenomenon or not (I don’t) it is a great time to start something new or to reset your relationship with something.
If for you that is a yoga or meditation practice I’ve got some tips which will hopefully help you bring all the January good intentions with you into the rest of the year. Making this new start a habit that supports you for a long time rather than fizzling out
1. Be realistic
Don’t start with goals that are totally unachieveable. I know it is tempting but it would be much better to start with an aim of getting on your mat twice a week and managing it than setting the goal of every day and feeling deflated when it doesn’t happen and giving up.
When setting the intention to practice regularly take the time to look at your calendar, work out which days in the week you can feasibly get to a class or roll your mat out at home and work within those windows rather than fighting against them
2. Build in accountability
Accountability looks different for us all but I think it is key for when you are starting a new practice or heading back into an existing one after a break. For you accountability might be booking yourself into a yoga class at a studio or online so that the time is blocked out of your day and unable to be changed.
Other methods of accountability could be:
- Having a practice buddy (a friend who is also trying to commit to something and you check in that each other has done it)
- Using a journal or habit tracker where you log each practice (I love these ones from Good Tuesday or this one from Malpaper)
- Blocking out time in your calendar even if it is for self practice at home so you know when you are planning on practicing. This is the method that works for me as otherwise I am such a procrastinator around self practice at home!
3. Create a space you want to be in
This tip applies if you are planning on practicing at home and it is not about creating the most instagrammable home studio, it is about making the space you have one that you are comfortable to practice in.
For most of us, myself included, practicing at home is about squeezing a mat down the side of the bed or moving furniture around in the living room to make space and that is ok. In order to make these spaces calmer, more appealing and a space you can let go in I have a few things you may want to consider:
- Lighting – Explore whether there is a way you can light this space as softly as possible. Dimmable lights are great or maybe working with a couple of lamps instead of the ceiling light. Fairy lights also always make a space cosier and more magical
- Privacy – If you live with other people is there a place you can find to practice that is tucked away from everyone else, somewhere you can push the door closed and just be? Sometimes yoga and meditation can bring up emotions and I find it a lot easier to let that happen if I’m in a private space
- Scent – Having a scent that you love and maybe one you only use when practicing could be a great way to set the scene of your space. This could be a room spray or a roller that you use on your pulse points. Have a look at the Sage and Grace rollers in our Relaxation Bundle if this is of interest
4. Treat yourself with kindness
It is likely that at some point in this journey of making your yoga practice a habit you will miss a practice. You’re human, it happens, life happens and sometimes the practice takes a back seat. This is the time to bring in your yoga practice off of the mat and treat yourself with some kindness, taking inspiration from the yama Ahimsa and practicing non-violence towards yourself.
Instead of giving up, let that non practice go and get back on your mat once circumstances allow but without taking any guilt with you.
5. Vary your kind of practice to keep it interesting
And finally, if you find yourself getting bored because you are practicing a similar style of yoga or often with the same teacher, mix it up. There are so many different ways of practicing and teachers who can guide you. If you usually practice at home, see if you can head to a studio for a change. If you’re usually practicing vinyasa then maybe gift yourself some relaxation with all the props and a restorative practice.
Remember that your practice doesn’t need to look a certain way or be a particular length to count. It is about showing up for yourself and taking a moment to tune in to how you are feeling
Do you have any of your own tips for making a yoga practice a habit? Share them in the comments below