YogaLifeMore

Dedicating more time to ourselves in the current fast-paced world is not easy.

The only way to start it is to create a routine that becomes a habit but it should be practical and fit your lifestyle.

Doing a class here and there, maybe 2 or 3 times a month, unfortunately will not bring with it in the long term all the benefits you could receive from Yoga. Consistency is the key, and the goal is to practice a minimum of 3 times a week to start seeing some results.

As a Yoga teacher I practice every day now but, when I started doing Yoga, I did not attend many classes. When finally, I realized that I needed to find some commitment and I started to practice more regularly, my mind and body were sending me messages that I need to keep up with it!

Here you have some tips that helped me, hope they will help you too!

• Take a hard look at your Calendar and mark your Yoga times down. Putting them in writing is the first step. Add Calendar reminders too 😊
• If you prefer to practice at Home: I strongly suggest having a nice space, preferably quiet, where you can be alone and do your practice without to be distracted or interrupted. If you do not have any dedicated space, that’s fine but try to practice when nobody it is at home, if possible. Silence is the key of concentration, especially at the beginning. It can be harder sometimes to getting on a schedule, especially at home, but do not be discouraged from this, if sometimes you cannot match the exact schedule, at least be sure to do not postpone to the next day and do the practice on the same expected day (even if it is for only 30 minutes).
  What about to light up some candles or burn some palo santo and maybe follow on-line classes to make it easier? It is nice to recreate a “mini Yoga studio” into our home, isn’t it? It always helped me to ground myself as soon as I started seating on my Mat (I offer on-line classes too so, do not hesitate to contact me for more info).
• If you prefer to practice by a Yoga studio instead: for some this solution can be easier to get along with. Taking a monetary commitment can become more an incentive to do not skip classes. My suggestion is to find some Studios convenient to your home (or your workplace) to be able to commute easier and faster, long-haul are discouraging.
  When I say Studios, plural, is because it is nice to try different classes with different types of Yoga and instructors to let you really find the best type of Yoga you can commit to and really enjoy it.
  When you find your special place, go for it! Be sure to buy a package of classes or to buy any benefit available that allow you to practice as much as possible (most of the studio have some good deals, both in terms of cost and availability of classes).
  Going also on the same schedule every week, might let you encounter the same people and, having new friends, sharing the same passion and maybe struggles, creates a sense of community that it is certainly special and unique.
• As for Timing: you can always practice before to go to work, on a lunch break (strongly recommended to detach from the workspace during the day) or, you can practice at the end of the day, after work. It really depends on your schedule and on your free time but, also on your desire to change your current lifestyle and to bring something new and positive for your body, mind and soul.

I know it is hard at the beginning, especially when the time is never enough but, we need to prioritize our “me-time”. It will affect the way you see yourself; you feel yourself and you interact with others, in the most positive ways.

When you’ll start doing Yoga and be more consistent, you’ll surely be the first one that wants to do more Yoga. It is incredibly relaxing, de-stressing and helpful for our overall wellness.

Once it becomes your habit, following the schedule will be easier and funnier and, if you need to skip a day, accept it without guilt. Don’t allow one single episode dictate the rest of your time, you will find a way to keep on schedule! Yoga is so amazing that you will be the one that wants to do it more often.

And do not forget…to keep me posted about your Yoga Journey 🙂