Get on your Mat

We all have those days, you know, the ones where we say we are too tired or too busy... The days where we would rather go meet a friend or sleep in a little while longer. We convince ourselves that we just do not have the time to do yoga today. Is this necessary true? Most the time, probably not.

I thought I would bring this topic up because it has been a little of a struggle for me lately. During my time abroad I do not have access to a yoga studio so I am currently doing my own home practice. Sometimes one of my roommates will join me for class, but for the majority of the time I am practicing on my own. I have never really developed my own home practice before, I love taking my practice to the studio. I enjoy the group energy, the social aspect of a studio, and being able to turn my brain off and just be guided by the teacher. So, my current practice is pretty different than what I am use too. It is so easy to just try to brush it off till later or the next day. I have found that I need to be much more dedicated and self-motivated to keep up with my practice.  

Here are my tips for getting yourself to practice when you are having one of those hard days, whether it being a home practice or a studio class:

1. Set a specific time for your practice. Look at your schedule the night before or early in the morning and schedule in a time for you to practice and stick to it.

2. Find someone to practice with. It makes it a little more social and fun and you will help each other stay accountable.

3. Just start getting ready for class. If you are going to a studio, start getting your gear packed up, or if you are practicing from home just step on your mat. Once you start the process going just keep moving and everything will begin to flow from there. Start your warm up or get into your first few sun salutations and just ride the flow throughout the rest of your class. 

4. If you are stretched for time, do a 5 or 10 minute session wherever you are. Do a few sun salutations. Your practice does not always have to be this strenuous 90 minute session. A short 10 minute practice can be very transformative both physically and mentally as well. 

5. Have fun! If you are enjoying your practice it will not seem so difficult to find the time to practice. Explore and try different things to see what truly motivates you. Try different styles and teachers and see what works for you. 

I hope these little tips help you get on your mat today. Let me know in the comments any of your tips that helps keep you going.