Tools for Jumpstarting Your Yoga Practice

One of the great things about yoga is that you can practice it anywhere, at any time, with little to no equipment. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from adding some tools and technology to improve your yoga practice, especially when you’re a bonafide yogi. Whether you’re struggling to master a headstand, want to be more mindful, or just want to take your yoga practice up to the next level, Yoga Mind Over Matter hopes these tools and tips will help you achieve your yoga goals.

1. Remember that it’s OK to fail

It’s easy to get discouraged when you really want to do something, like master crow pose, and just can’t seem to get the right alignment. During times like this, it’s important to remember that failure is OK. When you fail, you grow. And when you grow, you get stronger physically and mentally.

Look at your failed attempts as just that — attempts. Every day that you show up to your yoga practice and try, you get better. One day, you’ll reach your goal and feel good about all the hard work you put into it along the way.

2. Get outside your comfort zone

You’re never going to move past your plateau unless you move out of your comfort zone. If your normal Vinyasa yoga class is starting to feel too easy, try a core, hot vinyasa, or Hot 26 class. Even something simple like changing where you put yourself in the room or trying out a new instructor can help you push your limits and reach new heights in your practice. Plus, after a few sessions, you’ll likely find new motivation to engage in different forms of yoga, which, as Health Code Company notes, can encourage you to set small, attainable goals you can reach.

3. Set your intention

When you have intentions for your practice, you’re more likely to push yourself. Of course, it helps when certain obstacles like clutter in the home are removed. Clutter and disorganization in your living space can be the source of stress you may not have even known was there, so make it a point to clear out your space – and your mind – by decluttering. You’ll find it much easier to practice your poses with intention and mindfulness.

Technology can also make carrying through with intentions easier. There are a lot of yoga apps available that can help you set weekly and monthly intentions plus give you ideas for your home or anywhere practice. For example, Down Dog Yoga is like having a personal instructor right at your fingertips, and Daily Yoga provides workouts for every ability level.

Remember that if you’re practicing yoga at home, you’ll need to create a relaxing space where you can focus. By decluttering your home and letting in more natural light, you can reduce anxiety and limit negative thoughts, paving the way for a more mindful practice.

4. Try an inversion table

Spending time upside-down might sound odd at first, but it’s actually a great way to send oxygen to your brain. Inversion benches let you hang upside down freely, eliminating the risk of spinal compression. There isn’t a lot of research on inversion therapy, though SpineUniverse cites one study showing that inversion can help people who suffer from chronic back pain.

You also don’t have to worry about straining your muscles or losing your balance, so you can relax and fully enjoy the weightless feeling of being upside down. Make sure to breathe deeply. Start by only spending a few minutes in your inversion table at a time until you get comfortable with it.

5. Use a sleep induction mat during Savasana

If you skip Savasana, did you even do yoga? Kick your Savasana up a level with a sleep induction mat that shocks your body by using acupressure points. It doesn’t sound relaxing, and, admittedly, it’s not at first. But, as your body adapts to the acupressure stimulus, it will fall into a deeper state of relaxation, allowing your body to fully relax so you can reap the benefits of your yoga practice. (This is especially great to use if you practice yoga right before bed.)

These tools and tips will help you transform your yoga practice so you can hit your goals and reach new levels. Try some (or all) of them to move forward and get more out of your yoga practice.

For excellent yoga instruction for all levels either online or in the Nelsonville area, visit Yoga Mind Over Matter today!