You’ve made a resolution to do more yoga this year, and you’re determined to stick with it! With a few helpful tips and plenty of dedication, you can make the most out of your new year’s yoga goals. Here are some ideas for how to stay motivated and get the most out of your practice:
Make a Commitment to Yourself
Making a commitment to yourself isn’t as simple as it sounds to many. How many times have you started something only to give up by February? Here are a few quick tips to make sure you don’t do that again this year.
Start Small and Work Your Way Up
When you set your yoga goals for the year, start small and work your way up. If your goal is to practice yoga five times a week, don’t jump right in with that intensity. Start with one day a week and slowly increase the frequency as you get more comfortable with your practice. Starting small will help you stay motivated because you won’t feel overwhelmed by too much too soon. It also gives your body time to adjust to the physical demands of practicing yoga.
Create an Accountability System
Another great way to make sure you stick to your yoga goals is to create an accountability system for yourself. For example, join an online community dedicated to helping yogis reach their goals. You can even enlist the help of friends or family members who will check in on you from time to time and offer moral support when needed. Having someone there that can give guidance and advice can help keep you motivated and accountable when things get tough.
Set Personal Rewards
Rewarding yourself is another great way to make sure that you stay focused on reaching your goals. Every time you hit a milestone, treat yourself! Whether it’s going out for dinner with friends, taking some time off work, or buying something special – set rewards along the way that will motivate and encourage you as you work towards achieving that end goal.
Choose a Consistent Time to Practice
The best way to make sure your yoga practice sticks is to set a consistent time that you will practice each day. Whether it’s in the morning when you wake up, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency and routine are key when it comes to starting a good habit.
Find the Right Type of Yoga for You
With so many different types of yoga styles out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. These tips will help you choose the best yoga style for your new practice.
Figure Out What You Want from Your Practice
Before you start searching for a yoga style that’s right for you, think about what you want from your practice. Do you want to focus on flexibility? Strength? Balance? Stress relief? Are you looking for something more meditative or something active and high-energy? Knowing what your goals are will help narrow down your search and make it easier to find a style that meets your needs.
Do Your Research
Now it’s time to do some digging. Start by researching some common yoga styles like hatha, vinyasa, yin, and Ashtanga (to name just a few). Look into the type of poses each style focuses on, the typical class length, and any special equipment. You can also check out reviews online or ask around at your local studio—talk to other yogis who have tried different styles and see what their experience was like.
Give It a Try
Once you have done some research and narrowed down your list of potential styles, give them a try! On Omstars, we offer beginner classes in a wide variety of styles. When you join you get access to thousands of on-demand videos you can practice with. This way, you can get a feel for each style without having too much knowledge beforehand. Plus, if one style isn’t quite right for you, it’s easy enough to switch over and try another one without feeling overwhelmed by too much information upfront.
Set Realistic Yoga Goals (Don’t expect to be able to do a headstand on your first day.)
Don’t get ahead of yourself! While it’s great to have lofty goals, it can be discouraging if you expect too much from your practice right off the bat. Set achievable goals and work your way up slowly. Even experienced yogis don’t expect to master every pose on their first try—it takes time and patience to develop the strength and balance needed to do a headstand. So remember to be kind to yourself, focus on progress rather than perfection, and enjoy the journey!
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, especially when it comes to yoga practice. Everyone develops at their own pace and has unique strengths and weaknesses. Practicing yoga isn’t a competition—focus on your own progress and don’t worry about what other people are doing.
Be Patient and Consistent With Your Yoga Goals
Consistency is key when it comes to yoga practice! Even if you don’t feel like you’re making any progress, keep going and eventually you will start to see results. Be patient with yourself!
Have Fun!
Don’t forget to have fun with your practice. Yoga can be a serious business at times, but don’t take yourself too seriously! Laugh when you fall out of a pose, and remember that there’s no wrong way to do yoga as long as you are safe and comfortable in what you’re doing.
Yoga is a wonderful practice that can help you stay physically and mentally healthy. As with any new habit, it takes time to build up a routine and develop your skills. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to incorporating yoga into your life for the new year! Be consistent with your practice, set achievable goals, and don’t forget to have fun. With just a few small steps, you can make yoga part of your life and reap the benefits for years to come! Happy practicing!
Do you want more guidance to help you with your yoga journey? Sign up for Omstars to learn from the best yoga teachers in the world in the comfort of your own home.
