Struggling to find motivation for your yoga practice? Try these tips.

I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago and let me tell you, it was a very different story from what I’m about now. I dare say the types of yoga I was drawn to were very much “one size fits all” with lots of discipline and repetitive sequences.

DISCIPLINE’S GREAT AND ALL BUT…

Now we all go through different stages in life and there’s certainly a lot to be said about discipline. Many people benefit from what I’ve just described. But throughout the years, I’ve really come to be kinder to myself and that’s what this post is all about.

MOVEMENT SHOULD NOT BE A PUNISHMENT

You see, I think that movement should not be a punishment. I want to feel like I’m treating myself when I step on my yoga mat. And sometimes that may mean a more dynamic practice, other times I just want to lie down and meditate. It’s all about listening to yourself.

FINDING MOTIVATION

I personally feel more motivated to do yoga if I really treat it as a time for myself, not something I “should” be doing. I mean, you get enough of that in the practice room. I don’t think there’s any need to push yourself in yoga as well as in music. And to that end, you bet I’ll also use all the tools in my toolbox to “make it nice”. I’d love to share some of them with you here:

1. MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE

If possible, choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Put on some comfy clothes and get any props you need. There’s no shame in using them. Trust me, it won’t make you any less of a yogi. Do you get cold in your final relaxation? Grab some socks or even a blanket and a pillow. There’s no yoga police checking on the form of your dead body pose. ;) If you don’t have yoga props, I’m planning on doing a video about prop alternatives in the Wellbeing for Musicians Facebook group.

Aromatherapy

2. BREATHE DEEPLY

I love lighting a candle in my oil lamp for my practice. Apart from making the space cozier, it also has the added benefit of naturally slowing down your breathing as you inhale the fragrance. I personally love lavender or lemongrass but you can choose your own favorites. Different herbs will have different effects on your state, if you’re interested in that kind of thing, there are a lot of resources online.

3. USE THE POWER OF MUSIC

Now this one is not for everyone. Some people love silence, others find it hard to relax like that. You do you. The sad reality in the music industry is that a lot of musicians are dealing with hearing issues. For example, people with tinnitus may benefit from adding ambient music to their practice to help them relax. Here are some of my playlists for inspiration.