Simple Tips to Bring Effective Change to Your Yoga Practice

Everyone who practices yoga has a different experience–even within the same class, be it in person or streamed at home. Because there are so many different approaches to the practice, there are tons of ways to advance. Whether it’s incorporating new tools and equipment or technology and mindful measures, you can boost your yoga routine to move forward or to simply make it fun and new again. Try a few of these tips to bring effective change to your practice.

Set a Weekly Goal

One of the simplest ways to improve your yoga practice is to become more consistent and dedicated to it. Try to set a weekly goal and stick to it by using an app on your phone to ensure you follow through. Or you could set an alarm or schedule the time for practice on your calendar so you have a steady reminder every day to hit weekly or monthly goals. 

Consider a few different goals or intentions based on your current practice. For example, if you are erratic with when and how you practice, start by setting an alarm to practice at the same time every day. Even if it is only for a few minutes, you can build up to another goal you may set for a certain number of minutes spent on the mat each week. 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Though we often don’t like it, change is a part of growing and learning. So, maybe it’s time to leave your comfort zone to advance in your yoga practice. You can even use different tools, equipment, and technology, such as blocks, straps, and yoga mats. If you aren’t sure how to use them, or simply want some recommendations, head to your local yoga studio for some sound advice. 

With new equipment, you can push yourself further to increase flexibility, improve poses you find challenging, or even try new poses. Items like blocks and straps help support your body so you can ease into the pose and allow your body to slowly adjust to it, which can be particularly helpful if you suffer from lupus-related joint mobility issues. If you push too quickly, you can get injured, which is why props come in handy. 

Meditate Instead of Zoning Out

When practicing yoga, it’s important to remember to be present and mindful. Holding one pose for extended periods becomes trying and causes many people to lose concentration. Try meditating and breathing through the burn instead of zoning out until the time is up. 

There are two ways to do this. First, you can choose a mantra or a thought you want to instill and focus your mind on it by repeating the phrase. Another way to stay present and meditate is to center and ground yourself. Start with your head and mentally check on each part of your body all the way down your arms and fingers to your legs and toes. You’ll find that meditating will enhance your entire practice while reducing stress, which can be key if you have lupus and suffer from flare-ups brought on by stress. 

When you practice meditation, you need to do so in a space free from distractions, anxiety, and negativity. To improve the energy in your home, remove clutter, clean up messes, and open up your windows to let in fresh air. 

In all, advancing your yoga practice can be as simple as adding candles for a moment of mindfulness or setting a timer to ensure you keep your practice on a regular routine. Staying present and practicing new poses at your local yoga studio, from the comforts of home, or in a serene outdoor environment will help you grow with guidance too. Use caution and care with your limits, but don’t be afraid to push yourself to grow beyond your comfort zone to reach new heights. 

 

GUEST POST – About the Author:

Sheila was a success story in the corporate world, but her health was another story. She left the corporate world to start her own business, on her own schedule. The newfound freedom and flexibility enabled her to prioritize her health by practicing a daily self-care routine.