Cultivating a Consistent Yoga Practice: Benefits and Tips
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“I went once. I tried it. It didn’t work.” I’ve heard it many times. Students try yoga a couple times and they don’t immediately see the results they wanted or expected. I fell into the same trap myself recently.
As the aging process creeps in on my nearly 40-year-old body, I thought I better add some face yoga to my sunscreen regimen. I found and completed a couple YouTube videos and … I still have wrinkles.
After those initial discouraging attempts, I haven’t returned to it. Perhaps I don’t have time—so I chose to write about it instead. Maybe these tutorials weren’t what my face needed. Or perhaps yoga for the face doesn’t work at all and I felt it was pointless. I can’t be sure why I decided to stop. But I do know that, whatever the reason, I’d never see the results I hoped for with an effort that brief.
There are some things about our bodies we can’t readily change—for example, scoliosis or joint damage. But to change those things we can, we have to do the work. In other words, we can’t expect improvements without any serious effort (as I learned anew with my recent face yoga experiment). And even then, parts of our bodies change with age, no matter what we do. Think joints, faces, and eyes. Over time they deteriorate and are likely never to return to the way they were when we were 16. And yet, even though most of us recognize this, we still hope there might be a magic fix to reverse the process.
Unfortunately, yoga can’t offer you a magic wand. As a teacher, I can’t instruct you in yoga poses that will cure your scoliosis, or your wrinkly faces, for that matter. However, I can say that you won’t see any significant improvement (when possible) without consistency and attentiveness.
I started doing yoga daily over a decade ago with no expectation that it would solve my own body’s problems. I was simply looking for a way to loosen up my hips in the morning. Years later, I saw that my body—and my understanding of it—transformed. It can take time. But the effort is usually worth it.
This isn’t to say that you can’t see changes or notice your breath or body early on in trying yoga, or anything new—because you absolutely can notice differences—but drawing conclusions based on a couple of attempts is folly.
So, how can consistency improve your yoga practice—and therefore life?
Enables Progress: Consistency builds progress, both physically and mentally. Just like learning a new language, repetition strengthens your body and mind. You’ll refine your poses, build strength and flexibility, and find deeper connections within yourself.
Builds Muscle Memory: Consistent practice creates muscle memory, allowing your body to move with greater ease and confidence. This not only makes yoga more enjoyable but also reduces the risk of injury.
Cultivates Discipline: Life throws curveballs, but consistency in your yoga practice builds a foundation of discipline that spills over into other areas. Showing up for yourself on the mat translates to showing up for your goals and commitments in other aspects of life.
Forms Habits: Consistent yoga practice becomes a healthy habit—akin to brushing your teeth—making it easier to prioritize your well-being in the long run.
So, how do you actually become a consistent yoga practitioner?
Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with hour-long sessions. Begin with 15-minute practices and gradually increase as you build a routine.
Find Your Flow: Explore different yoga styles and teachers to find what resonates with you. Feeling excited about your practice makes consistency easier.
Listen to Your Body: Some days your body craves a vigorous flow, others a gentle restorative session. Be flexible and adjust your practice accordingly. This relates to targeting a practice to your body and needs. It is also important for seeing results. It is great to do whatever you can but meeting your needs will enable the most growth and development.
Make it Fun: What are ways you can make your practice interesting and fun? Maybe it is going to a class with a friend or using some essential oils that energize or soothe you. Make your practices work for you and your needs so you want to come back to it.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your progress, big or small! Feel proud of showing up for yourself, even on the days it feels difficult.
Add Accountability: Having a friend or a teacher that is on the journey with you can keep you returning to the mat. But, if you miss a day, practice kindness to yourself and non-attachment (a tenant of yoga) and move on.
Remember, consistency isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when motivation wanes. With each practice, you cultivate a deeper connection to your mind and body. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and embark on your consistent yoga journey. If you need help getting started, reach out and let me know!
In case you need a little more encouragement, here are some quotes on consistency that I found to resonate the most with me:
“Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity.” — Bruce Lee
“Constant practice alone is the secret of success.” — Svātmārāma
“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.” — Tony Robbins