4 Ways to Take Your Yoga Routine to the Next
Level

There is nothing quite like the study and practice of yoga to help you get fit, stay centered, and grow as a human being. Yoga has long been one of the top forms of exercise all around the world, and for good reason. Still, it can be hard to know how to improve or grow in the study of yoga after getting started. Here, we provide four ways to take your practice to the next level, including useful apps and meditation tips.

Set regular goals

If you feel stuck in your study of yoga or aren’t sure where to turn next, there’s a simple solution to help advance you to the next level. Setting attainable goals or intentions, whether they are weekly or monthly, can help to get you out of the slump and back on track. One excellent way to set and track your goals is with the help of a yoga app on your phone.

There are countless yoga apps available (a few of the best include Down Dog and Daily Yoga) for both Android and iPhone smartphones. If your current phone isn’t cut out for running these apps smoothly, consider upgrading your device to a model that will allow you to explore all the benefits that yoga apps have available. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S10 models have an excellent processor and top-notch display. Or, you can look to the latest iPhones for their large screens and great battery life. Once you have the phone of your dreams, you will easily be able to set, track, and stick to your yoga goals.

Image credit: Pixabay

Focus on your own path

Everyone has their own journey in life, and this is especially true with yoga. It is easy to compare yourself to highly trained yogis or others who are very advanced in their study of yoga, but the truth of the matter is that everyone advances at their own pace. The important thing to keep in mind is that you are remaining consistent, enjoying the process, and truly getting something out of it. Even the most advanced yogis studied for years in order to get to where they are.

If you find yourself getting stressed or frustrated that you aren’t advancing as quickly as you would like, treat yourself with a new set of yoga clothes, a colorful new mat, or a beautifully designed water bottle. These are tools that you can use to motivate you as you reach for the next level.

Don’t let your mind wander

One of the most important facets of practicing yoga is meditation. According to Yoga Journal, meditation is defined as a state of “pure consciousness”; that is ultimately an expanded state of awareness. Yogis often recommend focusing your mental strength on a specific object or happening and allowing yourself to communicate with it.

Make sure to avoid zoning out during your meditation sessions. It is easy to fall into the trap of letting your mind wander, perhaps thinking about what to make for dinner or just pondering absentmindedly about how tired you are. If you find yourself starting to zone out, redirect your thoughts to a more active state of awareness, and recenter yourself if necessary. For those who struggle with getting comfortable during meditation sessions, try a special meditation pillow, designed to make sitting in the proper pose more relaxing.

Be consistent

Perhaps the most important tip in the study of yoga (or any form of exercise) is to be consistent. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a new lifestyle isn’t forged in a matter of hours. It can take months of study to truly master yoga, and possibly even longer. The good news is that your body will start to feel the effects of regular practice, and you will start to feel stronger, more flexible, and possibly even less stressed after only a couple weeks of studying yoga.

Yoga is a wonderful way to get more in tune with your body as well as the world around you. Try any or all of these tips to make your journey towards yoga mastery more fruitful and enjoyable.

By Sheila Johnson

This article is borrowed from wellsheila.net