As someone who practices and teaches yoga, I cannot imagine my life without yoga. Yoga means stretching, exercising, meditating each day for strength, health and flexibility while getting rid of toxicity from my body and life. In spite of knowing about the many benefits of yoga, many of us struggle to incorporate yoga into our everyday lives; find it difficult to be regular and consistent with yoga. So how can you ensure that you practice yoga regularly, consistently?
Stop looking for excuses
Some people feel that they aren’t flexible enough for yoga. Others think it is too late to start. Then there are those who feel they don’t have the time for yoga. The fact is that yoga is for any age and any fitness level and it can be adapted to various different requirements. If you make up your mind, there is nothing that can stop you!
Commit to yoga
It is important to make up your mind and commit to yoga. If you decide that yoga has to have a place in your life, you will prioritize it and make time for it, no matter what. The important thing is to decide that you have to do this for the sake of your health and wellness, as well as for the overall good of your family, and then structure your day accordingly.
Slow and steady
Yogis are not born, they are created! You don’t have to start out being an expert. You can start slow, watching YouTube videos for beginners – simple, uncomplicated aasans to begin with, and then make slow, incremental progress. Create a routine that is manageable and make sure that you don’t do any poses that strain or injure. Start small and make progress slowly to create a routine that works for you.
Sleep and wake up half an hour early
If you feel that making time for yoga is a problem, simply cut out half an hour of TV viewing or social media in the evening. Get to bed just half an hour early and get up half an hour early. You get some valuable early morning time for yoga while it is quiet and peaceful; possibly while the rest of the family is still asleep!
Find time for yoga
If you cannot manage an adjustment in the time that you sleep and awaken, try to find time in the middle of the day: mid-morning after the family has been packed off to office/school, or in the quiet afternoon, or in the middle of the workday… maybe a few minutes of seated yoga right at your desk! In the alternative, carve out some time in the evenings: head to a nearby park or do yoga at home. Get your family to support you in your endeavor to be regular and consistent about your yoga practice.
Find a yoga buddy
It is always a good idea to find someone to do yoga with. You can keep each other motivated so that you will be consistent with your yoga practice. You can also guide each other and make sure that the other person does each aasan properly.
Track your progress
See how a consistent yoga practice makes a difference to the way you look, your posture, your sense of balance, your mood, muscle tone and overall wellness. When you see how yoga can actually make a difference, you will want to be regular and you will make time for yoga!
Join a yoga class
As a yoga instructor, it is always my advice to join a yoga class so that you have an expert guiding you. Joining a class ensures that you do yoga regularly. You will learn the right way to perform aasans that are appropriate for your age and fitness levels. Remember, anyone can do yoga consistently – at any age and any stage of life!