~by Jennifer Scott
Whether improving your practice is part of your New Year's resolutions or you've reached a plateau, there are always ways to step up your yoga game. Let's look at three easy ideas to incorporate into your practice, as well as some tech aids that can help you reach that next level.
Would you like to improve your overall well-being? The experts at Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center offer reiki, yoga classes, mental health counseling, workshops, and more! 502-618-2823
Leave Your Comfort Zone
It's easy to stick to the familiar — the poses we know we can do, the classes we're comfortable in, maybe even the same corner in the back where we feel like nobody can see us. To keep progressing, though, you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone. When it comes to yoga, there are always new horizons to explore. To expand your practice, you can find a new studio near you that offers a different style of yoga than you're used to, or you can choose to introduce some props to your practice to help you begin working on new and more advanced poses.
Set an Intention or Goal
We all know the importance of setting goals for success, whether in our work, hobbies, or even relationships. Bring that approach to yoga by setting goals for your practice. From working up to a particular pose, to simply getting on your mat every day, there are appropriate goals for every level and style of yoga — and don't overlook the benefits of setting small daily goals, in addition to the longer-term ones.
Once you've decided on your goals, use tech to help achieve them. There are a myriad of great goal-setting and habit-tracking apps on the market, for both iOS and Android. Try an app like Coach.Me with its motivating community, or something simple like Streaks which focuses on building your most important habits. Whatever apps you choose, it’s important that your phone has capability to run these. Look for seasonal sales and offers on a new model if your current phone is outdated.
Find a Well-Trained, Engaging Teacher
Having a good teacher makes a world of difference to your practice, and it's important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Don't be afraid to try different classes and instructors to find the one that works for you and keeps you coming back to your mat. If you think you know what you like, whether that's a tough-love kind of coach or a Zen-like spiritual guide, check out reviews before attending. Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center offers a variety of classes to choose from.
If you don't live near a studio or if your schedule simply doesn't allow you to get to the available classes, don't dismiss the possibility of attending one of our classes via livestreaming. You can also check out different yoga apps to find a style of instruction that suits you, from the quick sessions of 5 Minute Yoga to the customizable and targeted workouts of Down Dog.
From branching out and focusing on a goal to finding the right teacher, these are all simple yet significant steps that will keep your yoga practice moving forward. Regardless of whether you're a beginning downward-dogger or a seasoned yogi, we're excited for you to keep progressing with the help of these tips and tech — one savasana at a time!
"Jennifer Scott is a single mom who writes about the ups and downs of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences. Based in Philadelphia, she enjoys traveling, working with animals, and seeking out new friendships and adventures."