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We all know that with yoga, consistency is key. But we also all know that sometimes stuff happens and life gets in the way. It’s quite common to go through periods when you’re doing less (or no) yoga, whether it’s due to moving, parenthood, school, a busy season, or just a lack of motivation. The good news is that the only thing standing between you and your return to yoga is your decision to restart and a bit of planning. Use our best tips to get back to your mat sooner rather than later.
The Mental Challenges of Getting Back into Yoga
When you first tried yoga, it may have felt hard to get started. Often brand-new beginners, even those who really want to do yoga, have a fear of the unknown. When you’re trying to restart a regular yoga practice, you have a big leg up because you already know what to expect.
The mental barrier in this case is a little different: you may worry that you won’t be able to practice at the same level that you once did, that you’ve ‘lost’ some poses or will have moved backwards. It would be disingenuous to tell you that you’ll be able to do everything you once did right away. However, the truth is that it doesn’t matter. The practice is the magic, not the poses.
The first few times you get on your mat, you may feel like you’ve lost strength and flexibility, that poses that once were easy now seem hard, that you can’t do everything exactly the way you could. This is completely normal. But you’re not starting from scratch. Your body knows how to do this. The muscle memory is there; it just needs times to reawaken.
Acknowledge that your body is different now than it was when you last practiced. Even if you hadn’t taken a break your body would be different. That’s the natural result of the passage of time. Begin where you are and progress from there.
How to Begin Again
Start Gradually: Even if you once practiced for two hours every day, your body is not going to be happy if you try to leap back into that schedule. Start with shorter sessions a few times a week to give yourself time to adjust.
Don’t Skip Ahead: Don’t try your peak postures immediately. Keep it simple as you reconnect to your body and figure out where you are now.
Practice like a Beginner: Return to some basic postures as you reestablish your alignment, flexibility, and strength. Your body will welcome these poses like old friends.
Let Go of Expectations: This can be tough, but it’s a great mental exercise both on and off your yoga mat. Don’t fixate on what you used to do or what you may do in the future. Focus only on the present. As always, breathwork is a great tool in this endeavour.
How to Stay Motivated
Join a Class: Taking class regularly creates community, which is a powerful motivator. Paying in advance for studio classes or access to an online platform also helps keep you committed.
Try Something New: If you felt burnt out, there are so many different styles of yoga that may suit your current season of life better. Allow yourself to explore the possibilities.
Phone a Friend: Reach out to a friend who does yoga. Most yogis are happy to share the teachers they love or explore new classes together.
Gear Up: Investing in a quality yoga mat makes your practice safer and more comfortable. If you haven’t practiced on a mat with superior grip and alignment guides, they are real game changers.
Set a Schedule: Don’t leave your practice up to chance ‘if you have time’. Map out a weekly routine that works with your schedule so that your yoga time is baked in.
Try a Challenge: Many online and social platforms have challenges to practice for 30 days or work up to a peak posture. These can help you stay consistent and connected to other yogis.
Practice Here Now
The past is gone, the future is unknown. All you can really control is the present. Wouldn’t it be nice to have yoga in your life right now? If so, you’re ready to get back to your mat.
