In 2020, I finally had a robust yoga practice at home. The world was in lock down due to Covid-19 and it was time to go inside - actually it was mandatory to stay inside for school, work and most activities. Gyms were also closed and of course that meant yoga studios were shut down as well. Having so much home-based time on my hands made it was easy to ramp up my yoga practice using online apps and youtube videos. I developed a thriving solo practice and hit the mat religiously at least three times a week. I began to think of myself as a bonafide “yoga person” and was sure my new dedicated practice was now a lifelong habit.
THEN LIFE GOT BUSY
I didn’t make a conscious decision to give up my yoga practice, but I did let a series of “things” get in its way.
When the world reopened, people happily ventured back outside. Some of us returned to the office part-time or full-time, socializing resumed. Like many others I spent lots of time outside after such a long confinement inside.
I was looking forward to resuming yoga classes at the studio near me, but unfortunately it had closed. Sadly, many small businesses did not re-open after the pandemic and that included a lot of yoga studios that simply didn’t have the funds to stay afloat. I could have checked back in with my home practice at this point, but I just didn’t.
You may have had an on and off relationship with yoga as well, perhaps that’s what you’re facing right now. Often our lives get overwhelmed with a series of activities, such as work, children, relationships, and obligations; and before we know it, our practice becomes secondary or sadly nonexistent.
We know we feel at peace, aligned, strong and proud of how our bodies move when we’re in the yoga flow. Often, we promise ourselves that we’ll get back to yoga when things slow down a bit or when we get that promotion or whatever it is that has more power over us than the mat. Sometimes we take a brief hiatus and other times it’s longer. Eventually the calling of the mat gets louder and stronger until we realize what really needs to slow down is ourselves.
GOING BACK TO THE MAT
My journey back to yoga started at home with some basic standing asanas such as warrior, triangle and mountain pose. Throughout the short sequence I realized I wasn’t that balanced anymore as I was standing on shaky limbs and swaying while performing these poses.
Next came seated forward bends, spinal twists and finally a welcoming sink into child’s pose to help me stretch it all out. Overall, not too bad I initially thought, but when I tried to get up from the mat - I couldn’t do it! I suddenly realized that I couldn’t do something as simple as get up from the floor - something I had been doing my entire life without giving it a second thought.
I quickly grabbed the arm of a nearby chair to help pull myself up from the floor with a new awareness that I was seriously out of shape. This was an unfamiliar territory and not at all where I wanted to be at any stage of my life. Clearly, I needed to get back to a regular yoga practice immediately because it would be the foundation of regaining the basic strength and flexibility I had lost.
YOGA PACKS A POWERHOUSE OF BENEFITS
Studies show that yoga can improve balance, flexibility, endurance and mobility, all of which you can use to further your overall fitness goals.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.”
It just makes me feel good, is often what I’ve heard from people milling around after a yoga class. I for one feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders after a yoga session - with back straight and head held high I’m ready to face the world head on. Additionally practicing Hatha yoga delivers a mind body connection giving one calmness, focus, and reduced anxiety.
4 GREAT WAYS TO RE-START YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
Pay For a Class
Here me out on this one. Yes, you can find free yoga classes on YouTube or perhaps at your local community center, park or similar places. However, paying for something often helps us commit to it more. Sometimes when we don’t “feel” like doing something having a paid for, scheduled class helps us “get out the door.” So, consider paying for a class or a series of classes to jumpstart your practice.
Start Small
Commit to a weekly class for the first month. You can always add more classes or hit the mat at home if you’re feeling highly motivated.
Get Social
Joining a class can foster friendships over time. Initially just seeing familiar faces and saying hello is a good step. Also, if you’re not self-motivated enough yet, you may be able to find a accountability partner to help keep you committed.
Prioritize You
Self-care is the secret sauce in being a well- balanced person. Making time to invest in your health and peace of mind pays incomparable dividends into the bank of YOU! As soon as you begin seeing and feeling your body getting stronger, toned and flexible, you’ll certainly want more of that.
So, if you haven’t practiced yoga for a while, now may be a good time to jump back in, or ease back in if that suits you better. Wherever you are with your yoga practice just remember, it’s a part of you that can always be reclaimed.