Ah, yoga.

Between deep breathing, deep stretching, and extreme relaxation, it’s easy to come out of a yoga session feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. And the more you do yoga, the more benefits you’ll see – both physically and mentally. However, if you follow the same program for an extended period, you’re actually reducing the efficacy of your practice. That’s why at Yogi Maria, we believe it’s critical to constantly level up your practice. Below, we share how you can do so today.

Maybe your local studio offers a 30-day yoga challenge, or perhaps your favorite fitness app has a three-month yoga program. Having a goal with steps along the way can go a long way in building consistency and strength. You could also embark on your own challenge. For example, if you struggle with consistency, challenge yourself to practice every day, even for as little as seven minutes. Or else, if you’re bored of the same poses, try learning new ones or find novel ways of reaching each pose. Focusing on alignment and posture rather than depth is also a great challenge to get you started. 

Tech Is Your Best Friend

According to BBC News, the pandemic led to the rise of digital tools to improve fitness. Making it to a yoga class can involve a long commute and expensive fees. Practicing yoga from the comfort of your own home affords you increased privacy and ensures you make it to the mat every single day. In addition, practicing from home provides significant breaks if you’re working from home, as it can reduce stress and anxiety. You can also use apps to track how many days a week you practice or monitor your goals and progress. In addition, using the power of the internet also means you have access to a whole host of teachers you didn’t earlier. You can find Hatha specialists, meditation-forward teachers, or veteran practitioners who get you excited to come to ‘class’ every single day. 

Leave Your Comfort Zone Behind 

If we’re stagnant, we aren’t growing. It’s essential to take risks and challenge yourself to rise to new heights every now and then. In yoga, that can mean trying a pose you’ve always been intimidated by or meditating for the most extended period you have yet. But these small risks have a high payoff, as you’ll see your confidence and self-esteem spike drastically. And if you fail, that’s okay. Failure is part of the process and it is what keeps us human. If you perfect at all things yoga right off the bat, there wouldn’t be new goals and challenges to crush every day!

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is arguably as important in yoga as the poses. In fact, a study by the Iranian Journal of Public Health reports that mindfulness can help you get the most out of your practice and reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Instead of jumping into each pose and forcing your body into a position it isn’t ready for, move through your flow with intention. Another thing to watch is the energy you bring to the mat – try to remain positive and uplifted to benefit the most from your session. The same holds true for your home. As it is the place you practice yoga the most, a clutter-free, clean, and organized home will support your practice’s good vibes and intention. Also, try to eliminate anything that could lead to negative or intrusive thoughts or feelings.

If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you likely have the fundamentals and basic poses down to a T. That’s why it’s time to level up your practice by exploring different poses, equipment, and technology. Incorporate some of our tips in your next yoga session to welcome a happier, more Zen you.

If you’re looking to explore all the physical and mental benefits of yoga, be sure to check out Yogi Maria. I help people find their inner peace and strength through online yoga classes. Click here to book a free 30-minute consultation today!