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If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you may be looking for new ways to shake things up. Going through the same old routines day in and day out can start to feel stale. This can make it harder to commit to regular practice. Even the most experienced yogis know what this is like!
Thankfully, there are plenty of great steps you can take to upgrade your routine and rejuvenate your passion for yoga. Here are some tips to help you expand and explore your yoga practice in new and exciting ways, presented by Sewall House.
Set Intentions and Goals
One way to breathe new life into your practice is to set intentions and goals. According to Yoga Journal, intentions are the feelings and attitudes you want to encourage during your practice. These can help you stay focused on what you want to get out of each yoga session. Goals, on the other hand, are measurable results that you work toward. Both are important for steering you where you want to. They can serve as excellent motivators for maintaining a regular practice.
Leave Your Comfort Zone
The right yoga tools and tech can also help you get out of your comfort zone and try new things. For example, yoga apps can guide you through more challenging poses. You can also take advantage of special yoga equipment like yoga wheels, exercise balls, bolsters, straps, and blocks. With the help of these props, you can explore new poses safely and challenge your body in new ways. Don’t forget to pick up some new clothes, like versatile leggings, to make your yoga experience as comfortable as possible.
Another great way to get out of your comfort zone is to try out different yoga classes or retreats, like Seawall House. Find classes in yoga styles that sound intriguing or challenging to you. Hot yoga, for example, will give you a whole new perspective on your regular routine. Ashtanga yoga is a great way to incorporate strength training into your practice.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Whether you’re in the studio or following a yoga teacher online, it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Your yoga journey is unique to you! Nothing will sabotage your practice more than comparing yourself to the people around you. When those negative thoughts start creeping in, come back to your intentions and think about your purpose for being on the mat. You’re not doing this to be like anyone else. You’re doing this to build confidence, relieve stress, and promote your mind-body connection. You should also maintain a fixed gazing point during each pose and focus on your breath. This will help to keep your attention off others and on yourself.
Always Be Present
Meditating during yoga will also help you keep your mind focused inwards. If you’re zoning out during your routines, you may be missing out on the rejuvenating power of reflection and introspection. Try incorporating meditation into your yoga routines to elevate the mind-body benefits of your practice. Meditation reduces stress and promotes relaxation on the mat. Itl also helps increase your self-awareness so you can improve your form and go deeper into your poses without risking injury.
Use Apps to Stay on Track
Try using apps to keep track of your yoga goals and monitor your progress for an extra boost of encouragement. For example, T3 recommends yoga apps like Fitstar Yoga and Daily Yoga for tracking your fitness goals. If you own an outdated phone, now might be a great time to upgrade. Look for phones in your budget that offer the features and memory that you need. Also, make sure you’re working with a reliable internet network that can run these apps quickly and effectively. Many customers are opting for 5G service due to its ultra-fast speed.
If you’re starting to feel bored or restless on your yoga mat, maybe it’s time for something new. Try exploring new poses, experimenting with props, setting inspirational goals, and joining different classes. Find ways to revitalize your practice so you can maintain a happy and healthy relationship with yoga for years to come.
