Organizing Your Yoga Practice

So, you’ve decided you’d like to add a yoga practice to your routine. Whether it’s at a gym, in a studio, or from the comfort of your own home, you want to establish some parameters.

Why is that?

Well, with anything new, if you don’t have some kind of structure (and, don’t worry, we’re using the term loosely here… as we know some people do better with less restrictions) you may not succeed.

How do you organize your yoga practice?

Expectations, Obstacles, and Goals

In previous posts, we’ve discussed articulating clear expectations for what you hope to get out of your yoga practice. It’s your why. Why do you want to practice yoga in the first place? Without clear vision, you won’t likely stick with it.

Then, you have to be aware of what might get in the way. Both obstacles you’re aware of, and those that are hidden within your subconscious. The more you can address each barrier, the more likely you’ll follow through.

Finally, it makes sense to set specific goals regarding your yoga practice. Goals need to be clear. Writing them down can strengthen your desires… almost creating a contract with yourself.

Getting into the Routine

Now that you’ve defined why you want to practice yoga, are honest about what might get in your way, and established some goals for practicing, it’s time to get organized. At least, in the beginning, you want to get into some kind of routine.

We’re not saying you need to be rigid with yourself or the routine. But, in the earlier parts of making this part of your typical weekly routine, it’s a good idea to organize yourself.

What might that look like?

Here are a few things to consider when organizing your yoga practice:

• What time of day is best for you to practice some stretching? Think about the flow of your day. Is there a time that you can work a stretch or two into what you’re already doing? For example, if you wake up early and have the house to yourself, while you’re making the coffee, can you stretch a bit? Or, if you already journal a bit before bedtime, could you practice a breathing exercise before falling asleep? Try weaving yoga into what you’re already doing during your day.
• What are some of your favorite stretches? You don’t even have to know the name of them! That’s not important at all. Just notice what exercises you like to do during a yoga class and see if you can practice a few of your favorites on your own.
• As you stretch (both in class, and on your own), notice how you feel. Because if you’re not sure what your favorite stretches are, you won’t be able to practice any. That, or, when you go to stretch, you won’t have any idea what to do! So, as you go through a yoga class, notice how the movements make you feel. Notice when the body is happy versus when you’re grimacing or struggling to get through the poses.
• Pay attention to where you are tight. If your hamstrings (back of the legs) are always tight, you may want to organize your stretching routine around that. If your neck and shoulders are constantly sore, you may want to focus on stretches for the neck, shoulders, and upper back. As you move throughout your day, notice how your body feels when you’re NOT doing yoga. Then, see if when you try to add some yoga moves into your stretching routine you can focus on those places.

Sticking to Your Routine

With the above questions in mind and the information they’ve given you, it’s important that you create a specific plan. And, not only think about the specific plan, but write something down and post it where you can see it.

It doesn’t have to be long, take a lot of time, or even require you to roll out your yoga mat. Of course, you’re more than welcome to do all three… but, if you’re just getting started, baby steps. Baby steps. Start small. Don’t overdo it. If you do, you’ll likely stop.

Here are some examples, thinking about the above information:

• When I get up in the morning and put on the coffee, I’ll stand in the kitchen and practice standing on one foot. I’ll do this on each leg for as long as I can hold it.
• At night, as I’m lying in bed trying to fall asleep, I’ll practice one breathing technique.
• During work, when I’m sitting at my desk, at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, I will do some shoulder rolls, neck turns, and head nods.
• On Tuesday and Thursday, during my lunch break, I will stand up and practice the Zen Swing for at least two minutes.

See how specific these are? How manageable? The small amounts of time and little bits of stretching?

You don’t have to do a full sixty-minute routine. Yet. Maybe you’ll get there; maybe not. But, if you want to incorporate more stretching and breathing into your life, you gotta starts somewhere.

And, of course, we’d love to see you in a future class! Check out our yoga schedule and sign up for a future program.

About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, RYT (200) is a holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.

Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach, nature lover, and avid meditator.

Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pups. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, baking, music, and hiking.