Have you made resolutions for the New Year? The start of a new year is a great time to start fresh and make healthy changes in life. Often, resolutions involve health, exercise and fitness.
However, too often, making resolutions and breaking them soon into the year leaves a person feeling guilty and stressed. This year, try incorporating a little flexibility into your resolution to start yoga, recommit to your practice.
The basic philosophy of yoga is about caring for yourself, connecting to your inner being and getting rid of negative thinking to live in the moment. Use this method to set positive goals, rather than focusing on negative habits and feeling like a failure later for breaking them.
Set the simple goals and keep resolutions to a minimum, whether yoga or other areas of life. Taking on too much is a recipe for disaster. If, and when, you fall back on your plan for the New Year, remember that change is a process that takes time – like mastering yoga poses.
For example, if you make a resolution to begin your practice or recommit to your practice, set the intention to practice daily. Be sure to set reasonable goals when you make resolutions. Don’t vow to practice for 45 minutes or an hour each day if there is no way you can stick with it or your hectic schedule won’t allow it.
Instead, set a smaller, more attainable goal. If you want to commit to a daily practice, consider a short morning yoga practice to start your day. Getting up in time for a short ten or fifteen minute practice is easier to fit into the day than a longer practice later in the day.
Setting a time for your practice is a good idea if you want to practice every day and stick with it. Practicing in the morning is a good way to start the day, but won’t work for everyone. Set a time that works best for you because you are more likely to stick with it if you set a time that works with your life.