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If you find yourself a bit disillusioned with your current yoga routine, it may be time to break free of what’s holding you back. As with everything else in your life, once you get stuck in a rut on the mat, it can be a little difficult to dig your way out. It is not impossible, however, and you owe it to yourself to find new ways to enjoy your fitness routine. In doing so, you may just discover a few new things about yourself. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Comfort Zone, Exit Ahead
Six AM: Yoga class. 8 AM: Work. 12 PM: Lunch. 9 PM: Go to bed. Repeat. If this sounds like your schedule day in and day out, it is time to shake things up. As humans, we get into a comfort zone because it is just that — comfortable. Things are going well, life is nice and predictable, and you see no reason to upset the order. However, this trajectory gets you nowhere. Breaking out of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to achieve growth, whether that means becoming better at yoga or being more productive in your daily life.
It’s okay to do things outside of your routine. Consider taking an afternoon class or keep an eye out for the next retreat. You might even invest in a different style of yoga clothing, schedule a class with an online friend you’ve never met in person, or even find a quiet spot at home and practice your asanas without any distractions whatsoever. You may even decide to step outside of your budget and splurge on that professional-quality yoga mat you’ve had your eye on.
Put Your Smartphone to Work
Do you have goals when it comes to yoga? If not, you should. No one can tell you which goals are right for your lifestyle, but fortunately, there are plenty of tools to help you set and reach the achievements you desire. What’s more, many of these tools can be downloaded to the same device you use to text, read emails, and navigate.
Bustle’s Megan Grant lists 11 of the best goal-setting apps and notes that people who keep themselves accountable by writing their goals down are almost universally more successful. If you've got the will to keep up but your device doesn't, consider upgrading to a new phone that will support your efforts to meet your goals.
Find a Space All Your Own
If you plan to do yoga at home, then you need to ensure you have a nice, calming space you can call your own. An unused bedroom, for example, could be easily transformed into an idea at-home yoga studio. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you the studio is neat and tidy, as a cluttered space can trap negative vibes and actually spike your anxiety and stress.
A Mirror Is All You Need
You are not like anybody else. Your body, mind, abilities, and every other aspect of you are unique. Comparing yourself to others when you’re in class will only lower your self-esteem and discourage you from breaking out of your comfort zone and achieving your goals. Instead of trying to compete with the world, look in the mirror and remember that you are the only person you need to impress.
Not Failure, Inspiration
No matter how many tools you give yourself or how many goals you smash, there will always be failures. Instead of looking at these hiccups as the end-all, reframe your thinking to view failure as an opportunity for growth. The Jump Start Your Dream Life blog suggests that failure is a lesson that gives you a chance to learn skills to overcome obstacles. Can’t seem to hold Lord of the Dance or Firefly? Advanced yoga poses are often difficult to master. Don’t get frustrated; instead, use each slight shift of your body as a chance to feel your way to success. You may fall many times, but you will get better with each lesson. This advice applies not only to yoga but also to any situation that has you feeling a bit discouraged.
Make a conscious effort to be a better you both on and off the mat. Things like breaking out of your comfort zone, comparing yourself only to the reflection in the mirror, and using the bumps in the road to propel yourself to success are habits that can help you in every aspect of your life.
Image via Pixabay
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