Incorporate These Simple Tips to Up Your Yoga Game
Author: Jennifer McGregor
There’s nothing wrong with being a beginner yogi because practicing at that level can yield plenty of benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional health. However, if you’re struggling to stay motivated and you feel that it’s time you were challenged more, you may be ready to take your practice to a higher echelon.
In a sense, yoga is like many other forms of exercise: the more you put in, the more you get out. Yet, it’s easier said than done — especially when you feel stretched to the limit and don’t know how to fit anything else in your schedule. For the busy yogis out there who want to step up your game, here are some quick tips on tech and strategizing that can be seamlessly worked into your daily routine.
Use Your Phone for Accountability
Accountability is essential when it comes to upping your yoga game. It’s great to connect with other yogis so you can check in and help each other pursue your goals. However, it’s 100% possible to keep yourself accountable. One practical way to do this is to find a yoga app on your phone that allows you to set and track goals, as well as communicate with your fellow yogis.
With so many apps at your fingertips, you might want to take a deep dive. If your current device isn't up to the challenge, give yourself some extra motivation with a new smartphone that allows you to access any of the apps that can help you push yourself and hit goals. Many service providers have new customer offers that include a free phone when you switch to their plan. If you have the right device, you’ll be ready to choose from all the best yoga apps available without worrying if your phone can keep up with the technology.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One of the worst things you can do on your journey of self-improvement is to compare yourself to other yogis. It’s perfectly okay to be inspired by people who are more advanced in their practice, but don’t let it get to the point where you lose confidence in yourself or try to put others down in your mind — this kind of destructive internal dialogue can sabotage your growth. Remember that you are the only person in the world like you, so your specific needs and processes will be slightly different than anyone else’s.
Get Risky
As you’re setting your goals, don’t be afraid to take risks. You can’t really grow your yoga practice much if you’re not willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new poses. Whether it’s a basic half-moon pose or Ganda Bherundasana, push yourself past what you can currently do. Even the journey of trying new poses will help you reach the next level. Furthermore, implementing this mindset in your yoga practice can carry over to other areas in your life.
Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
Lastly, come to terms with failure. It will happen, and if it doesn’t happen, you’re probably not challenging yourself enough. There’s nothing wrong with failing when you’re reaching for new heights in your practice, and if you practice with a perpetual fear of falling or getting injured, it will impede your progress and likely keep you from accomplishing your goals. Also, fear of failure will hinder you from reaching out to others who can help you improve. Anytime you’re tempted to focus on the possibility of failing, recenter your mind on the present.
Taking your yoga practice to a higher echelon will renew your motivation and produce even greater benefits than you’re used to. Remember not to compare yourself with others, and set a weekly or monthly goal you can easily track on your phone. Also, take risks in your practice by trying new poses, and don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Most importantly, embrace the journey of self-improvement, and enjoy the present!
Photo Credit: Burst