How to Start your Yoga Practice if You are bad at Routines

Wanting to step into the perfect daily yoga practice is a desire for many of us. We all know the benefits of yoga– from exercise to keeping ourselves centered and mindful, we want these benefits every day. But it can be difficult to start that daily routine. Especially for people who struggle with keeping habits consistently, no matter what they are.

Here are a few things you can do to weave your yoga practice into your day, even if you have a hard time being consistent. 

Add Yoga onto one of your Existing Habits

You might be thinking, wait, I’m bad at routines, how can I ADD another task onto my busy schedule?! I’d say to you, think of what you already do every day that is consistent.

Certainly, you bathe regularly and make your daily commute to work. You also probably sit down for a meal or two, and all of these are great opportunities to slip in a little bit of yoga into your day.

Perhaps the easiest way to do yoga during these times to become conscious of your breath. Bringing mindful attention to the breath is one of the goals of yoga. If you can find these mindful moments throughout your day, you will be better off than if you haven’t.

Below are some more ideas on how to incorporate your yoga practice into your day!

Practice Deep Breathing When you are Trying to Fall Asleep

This is especially helpful if you have insomnia, or if you want to introduce some meditative wind-down time. You can do this by simply bringing your awareness to the breath, and intentionally drawing out the inhale and the exhale gradually. Notice a slight pause as the inhale transitions into the exhale and vice versa. This will help to soothe your mind and get you ready for sleep. You can also do this if you have a hard time getting up in the morning!

Add Yoga to your Current Exercise Program

Do you go out for a run every day? Adding a few warrior poses can help to stretch the legs before and after your workout, this will benefit your run while slipping in some yoga time.

If you don’t have an existing exercise program, I recommend getting outside and walking around in your neighborhood every morning or evening. Even simply walking is great for your health and can be the start of a lifelong habit!

A Little Progress is Better than None

Even if you don’t have the time for a full-fledged yoga practice every day, there are still many little ways to sneak in some yoga during the day. Whatever time you decide is best for you, there is no doubt that a little practice can go a long way over time!