Starting a yoga habit
Are you inspired by people who practice yoga regularly? We often hear about how an established yoga practice has many benefits, but many people are hesitant to start because it can seem intimidating.
However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you are a beginner or new to yoga, there are 5 simple tips you can follow to start your new yoga habit.
Now is the perfect time to start a new yoga habit or make a change in your life. As soon as you begin, you will see the progress and benefits of your efforts. The biggest benefit: feeling better mentally and physically.
You’re healthier when you practice yoga
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health titled ‘Yoga for Health: What the Science Says’, found that a regular practice had multiple health benefits:
- Improvement in stress management
- Improved ability to maintain balance
- A more positive mental health outlook
- Better general health habits
- Weight management
Additionally, Harvard Health Publishing cites the following benefits of practicing yoga in the article ‘Yoga Benefits Beyond the Mat’:
- Better body image
- Becoming a mindful eater
- Boost to weight loss and maintenance
- Enhancing fitness
- Cardiovascular benefits
Under the guidance of a qualified instructor, yoga is generally a safe form of physical activity. If you’re looking for an instructor near you, Jivamukti Yoga has a list of their 300hr and 800hr certified instructors.
Ready to start?
Starting a yoga habit is like starting anything else
Incorporating the practice into your daily life or as a habit requires the same approach as you would take to make anything a habit.
Making something a habit requires repetition and consistency
Here are the five steps to establish a new habit:
- Start small
- Choose a specific time and place
- Make it easy
- Be consistent
- Use reminders
5 Simple Steps on How to Begin Your Yoga Habit
1. Start small, with a 10 minute practice
It’s easier to build a new habit if you start with small, achievable goals. A good starting point is a 10-minute yoga practice. Then, gradually increase the duration of your sessions on the yoga mat. For those looking to begin their yoga journey at home, following a free YouTube video that guides you through a 10-minute sequence can be a helpful starting point.
The health benefits of yoga can be experienced even with a shorter practice time
Read more about how to sequence 5 yoga themes for a beginner’s home practice.
2. Choose a specific time and place
It’s easier to make something a habit if you do it at the same time and place every day.
For example, set a time and place where you will practice yoga each day, and stick to it. Inconsistencies in your work schedule may make getting to a yoga studio consistently difficult – so a home practice might provide a more realistic option.
To ensure consistent home practice, create a designated yoga space in your home and have it prepared and ready to use. Keep your yoga space clutter-free and make it a sanctuary for your practice.
Whether it is at home or a regularly scheduled class – it is important to designate this specific time and place. And commit to it.
3. Put yourself in the best position to succeed
Make it as easy as possible to practice your new healthy habit. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations and striving for advanced poses that you see on social media platforms.
Remember that a regular yoga practice is about improving your physical and mental well-being – comparing yourself to others can be demotivating for those new to the practice.
4. Be consistent
The more consistently you do something, the more it will become a habit. Try to incorporate the practice every day, or at least several times a week, to make it a habit.
5. Use reminders
Set reminders for yourself to do the new habit.
There are many ways you have set up your reminders:
- Phone app
- Sticky note
- Alarm on your phone
- Calendar reminders
Maintaining Motivation With Your Yoga Habit
Don’t get discouraged. It takes time to form a new habit, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. It’s normal to have setbacks, so just keep trying and stay consistent.
Resources to help you with motivation
- Spotify yoga playlists
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic yoga mat for your home
- Staying current with Yoga Journal articles for tips and advice
Conclusion: You are now ready to make yoga a habit
Starting a yoga practice can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can establish a consistent and enjoyable yoga habit that can bring numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Whether you choose to practice at home or at a studio, it is important to start small, choose a specific time and place, make it easy, be consistent, and use reminders to help you stay motivated.
The time to start is now. With a little dedication and commitment, you can develop a yoga practice that will improve your overall well-being.
