At the start of this year, I decided to buckle down and really get a regular yoga practice going again. I’ve got to say that in that time, I’ve seen a big difference in myself. I feel calmer but also somehow more energetic. It’s a great balance to the twice-weekly runs with my neighbor Heather, too!
Despite all those benefits, it was not easy to get up and do yoga yesterday between a late night and a cold morning.
Getting motivated to do yoga is awesome, but sticking with a regular practice can be tricky! There are definitely mornings that I’d rather hit snooze than get up and roll out that mat. Here are a few tricks that have helped me push through!
- Give yourself permission to take it easy. Sometimes, getting out of bed is the hardest part! When I’m really not feeling it, I tell myself I’ll just go do a few easy poses. Once the mat is out, the music’s on, and I’m moving around, it often just feels right to just go ahead and do a full series.
- Mix it up. There were a couple of weeks where I was doing the same 26 poses every. single. morning. Switching things up – swapping out poses for new ones or even just changing the order around – made a huge difference!
- Be accountable. I’ll be honest here – writing a weekly yoga-related post has been a fantastical motivator. If I don’t get up and practice, what ever will I have to write about? Virtual Yoga Buddies has been awesome, too. When I have questions or need support, it’s so handy to have that group to turn to!
- Treat yourself! I got myself a new yoga mat, and that helped loads! Not only do I feel better about this new, non-toxic mat, but it adds just a litttttle bit of guilt when I think about blowing things off.
So spill it, you guys! What do you do to get yourself moving when you just don’t wanna?
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by timsamoff
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I love treating myself for that extra encouragement too. I got some new running shoes and have been much better about getting out there since then.
The cold weather always seems like such a good excuse to me too, but I try to remind myself how much more warm I feel, from the inside out!, when I push myself to do extra poses. Haha, it’s almost like an environmental argument even, using your super-renewable personal energy for good!
Oh yes! The cold makes it so hard. I think that’s part of why it gets easier once you get moving, for sure!
I was doing yoga alot a few years ago, then I switched to trapeze and fabrics. I know when I did yoga a few times a week I slept better, too. It is fun and I like the studio I go to sometimes. I also tried to do it at home, but it is hard to focus without someone there timing you, or trying to watch the clock! I liked the Om Yoga Deck – little flash cards with the poses. We also like Wii Fit, but I have been terrible at keeping up this year.
Ohman, I always forget about Wii Fit! Ours is mostly collecting dust…I should pull it out and do yoga on there sometime….they do such a good job of making sure your form is balanced.