Feeling disheartened in a yoga practice when everyone seems so much more composed than you? Don’t worry, it takes time to master yoga though there are some great tips to learn how to get better gradually.
Over time, you can feel more balanced, more relaxed, and get more out of your yoga practice. If you are feeling that your yoga practice has begun to plateau then here is how to get even better.
In this guide, we will look at how to get better at yoga through some simple tips and improvements.
Hydration
Feeling dehydrated during a yoga practice can take the focus off a certain pose. You should take a bottle of water with you but having to constantly swig it down can cause you to lose your concentration.
Instead, drink water throughout the day so you arrive fully hydrated with your mind and body already in a great place.
You may be surprised how your concentration increases when you do not have to worry about how much water you feel that you need to drink during your practice.
Keenness
You should be excited and keen when you arrive at your yoga practice. This could be at home, where you set aside a time in the day simply for a relaxing session, but you do not want to be rushed on arrival.
If you have to get through traffic and get to your yoga practice late then that’s not a great state of mind to begin with.
Give yourself ample time to arrive at the venue so you have a few minutes to catch up with friends, unroll your mat, and find your preferred spot.
Warm Up
Should you arrive with a few minutes to spare before the start of your yoga practice, use them well. Take a sip of water and warm up your body so you can ease yourself into the practice itself.
Try some simple dynamic stretches so your body feels more flexible and you may feel that the practice goes better than ever before.
You can attempt some neck or shoulder rolls at the start with some seated and supine poses at the end of your practice as a cool down.
Learn To Breathe
Just your breathing may take years to perfect for a yoga practice and it can be so important to the success of your poses. Once a pose seems difficult you may breathe on impulse as you begin to judge yourself.
Try a deep ujjayi breath and control it with your diaphragm to regain your confidence, release that tension, pause, and press on in a composed manner.
Pay Attention To Your Body
Along with learning to breathe, you should learn to link your breathing with your movement. Learn that one of the underlying rules in yoga is that you should inhale when you commit to a back bend and exhale when you fold forward.
If you use your breathing to guide your movements, you can go even deeper into your poses and become even more aware.
Ensure Proper Alignment
Instead of fixating on learning as many new poses as you can, master the simple ones first with proper alignment.
Build your yoga practice on a solid foundation with proper alignment so you are aware that your body is in the right place with every single movement and pose.
You may be tempted to go deeper into a pose yet you should still maintain your form, even if you do see the experts on social media doing more.
Only when you have mastered the beginner poses with proper alignment should you move on and advance.
Turn Off Your Mind, Relax
By quietening your mind, you can find more success in navigating the challenging poses. Retain the thought that you are in a safe space, you are in no danger, and should not be in any pain (though you may feel some discomfort).
Relax and tell yourself that you will be safe in allowing your body to go that bit further but you can stop if you feel any pain.
Comfortable Clothing
If you do not feel comfortable in what you are wearing then that discomfort may seep into how disrupted your practice feels.
Especially if your clothing does not quite fit and you feel more exposed the further you stretch. That can prove highly distracting so wear comfortable clothes that fit well and remain snug throughout each pose.
Eat Light
If you do need to eat before a yoga session then make sure it is a light meal or snack. With a full stomach, you may find certain poses and twists feel more uncomfortable than they should be.
Try a smoothie with banana and blueberries, poached eggs, or simply a banana on its own.
Yoga Props
Try not to feel like you are cheating somewhat if you feel the need to grab a prop before a yoga session. Just because the more experienced yoga practitioners steer away from props does not mean you have to.
If you want to, grab a strap, a blanket, and even a block. You may not use them during the session but simply having them there can help with your confidence, just in case you may require them.
Final Thoughts
It may seem that the more you push yourself to get better at yoga, the more disheartened you feel. Take it slowly as some simple tips like warming up, eating light, and staying hydrated can make a real difference just to feel more comfortable.
If you want some yoga props for that extra reassurance then pick them up. At a fundamental level, you should learn how to breathe and then link that with your movement in some comfortable clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should I Give Myself To Get Better At Yoga?
Improving your fitness and your composure can take time. During the initial first few weeks of regular yoga sessions, you should see some improvement as you learn.
With the same commitment to your yoga practice, you should become better at poses and see changes in your body within three to six months.
When Does My Body Shake During Yoga?
Try not to worry if it seems that the muscles in your body quiver or shake during a complex yoga pose. This response is usually a neurological and physiological response simply to working hard.
It can also signal muscular fatigue which is actually a good thing when practicing yoga.
The positive effect yoga had on me was indescribable. Every aspect of my life improved, from social to mental, physical to emotional.
I want my website to help more people get into the world of yoga and teach them how to be present for themselves - even if that’s just for a few minutes a day.
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