Three tips to getting your Yoga practise on track and why it matters
Unpopular opinion – who prefers routine to going with the flow?
That first nip of Autumnal air can come as a bit of a surprise. For some it signals the unwelcome end to a glorious Summer era; one where to-do lists are light and responsibilities few. The impending return to school might feel overwhelming; the pile-up of work insurmountable. But for others the seasonal change can bring about a sense of renewal; of recalibration and a chance to hit reset.
If you saw our last blog post on the stresses of summer travel, you may be part of the latter camp of routine-lovers that can’t wait to get back to a stricter daily schedule – whether that be for work, family life or self-care. As well as bringing security and normality, routine might offer a reorientation of sorts, one that encourages you to touch base with your inner compass and to cultivate habits most beneficial to you.
Sometimes, it’s as much about asking what you’re NOT going to do, so you can make time to be.
There’s evidence to show that beginning or returning to routine and daily habits can help invite greater peace and calm into your life. It might seem ironic, however a stricter schedule can in fact offer more freedom. Once your time, energy and boundaries have been cemented, you could in fact free up space for new intentions, focus and productivity.
You may even find yourself flirting with that side hustle or business idea you’ve had on the back burner. More meaningful still might be the discovery of greater self-worth, self-belief and self-reliance.
Routine can also act as an anchor in times of unpredictability, uncertainty and stress, which is why introducing the practice of Yoga can have a huge impact. By incorporating just a couple of its philosophies and tools, you might experience positive ripples in more ways than one. Having the repetition is one thing, but the practises themselves could just be transformative. Below we’ve outlined three tips to help you along the way, no matter your level or experience so far.
Back to Your Flow, When You’re Ready
At MoreYoga, we believe getting back into Yoga should feel effortless. Begin now: your first month for £1, then half price for life. Take the first step you deserve it.
For the beginner:
Try just five minutes of morning movement. Carve out some time before your day begins, perhaps whilst the kettle is boiling or the kids are eating breakfast. Shake off any preconceptions, any ideas that you’re ‘not flexible enough’ and any notion of what Yoga may or may not be able to deliver. MoreYoga’s guide to Sun Salutations is a great place to start, and / or you can use apps like Calm and Insight Timer to try out a short breathwork or meditation.
For the returning practitioner:
Three words: remove the pressure. Just because your practice looked or felt a certain way six months ago, it doesn’t mean you need to pick up exactly where you left off. If your brain is trying to convince you that ‘I’ve lost all my physical strength’ (something our teachers hear a lot from self-conscious students in class), quietly remind yourself that your mind may be playing tricks on you; that you can restart anytime, anywhere. Another three words: Shake things up! Were you fully satisfied with the format, class length and style of your previous practice? Perhaps it felt a bit stagnant or lacking and you’re seeking more physical fire? Or the opposite may be true, and your body craves more stillness and rest via breath work, mindfulness and sound healing? If so, why not try out a different MoreYoga teacher, studio location or class style? You never know what you might discover.
For everybody:
It might seem counter-intuitive, but your daily habit or routine doesn’t have to be a strict one. On the contrary, you can let your Yoga routine and any other holistic practices ebb and flow whilst they find their place in your life. What serves you best at one time might not resonate as you grow and evolve, and so allowing variety and change might be just the ticket for your personal development. Maybe you only feel like stretching on Thursdays, or perhaps night shifts mean you need to grab five minutes sporadically between tasks. Either way, there is a practice, tool and method for you.
And finally: make any new routine or habit as easy and stress-free as possible. Atomic Habits by James Clear has some fantastic practical advice if you or someone you know needs a helping hand getting started.