Life is now more disruptive by nature. Devoting time to enriching pursuits such as yoga can be challenging. So how can you adapt to boost life quality and enjoyment?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this fast-moving world to a standstill and has hampered many aspects of our lives including routine fitness activities which has resulted in various psychological issues and serious fitness and health concerns. Even those strongly committed to maintaining their wellness by getting onto the mat regularly have found this challenging to achieve through various restrictions, lockdowns and concerns about contracting the virus. Recent multinational investigations have shown the negative effect of COVID-19 restrictions on social participation, life satisfaction, mental well-being, psychosocial and emotional disorders as well as on sleep quality.
Yoga is shown to keep physical functions (respiratory, circulatory, muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems) intact and supports other systems (endocrine, digestive, immune, or renal systems) that are important in fighting any known or unknown threat to our body. At enso we understand the importance of maintaining physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, even more-so during a pandemic to elevate your immunity and increase your chances of a speedy recovery should you contract the virus. We have made all of our 19 weekly practices available online since the first national lockdown in March 2020, and this has become a popular way for people to keep up their regular practice.
But if practicing online at home doesn’t work for you (kids need your attention, the dog is on the mat, too many distractions) then here are some suggestions to help you get back to the mat and stay there:
1. Practice with a friend – make a regular date with a friend or friends to head to the studio to practice then maybe go for a coffee or kombucha afterwards. If you have promised your friend you’ll be there you’ll be more likely to make it to the mat.
2. Start slow and gentle, and build up gradually. If you haven’t practiced in some time, start with a gentler practice (deep, spine) then progress to more challenging ones (melt, core, enso 26) and when you’re feeling good and super-energetic try the Flow and Powa practices.
3. Set realistic goals. Although daily practice is recommended, not all of us can achieve that, at least not straight away. Commit to once or twice a week at first and build it up.
4. Recognise potential setbacks – Too often, life gets in the way of our regular practice and we prioritize other areas above yoga. If you plan ahead of time, though, you can recognize and eliminate some things that might prevent you from getting back in a consistent routine. Pack your yoga bag the night before and sleep in your yoga gear if you have a hard time waking up for early morning practice.
5. Set a Schedule – This is a common tactic used by those who practice regularly. Schedule it like a meeting on your calendar and you’ll be less likely to skip out on your practice.
6. Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you missed your practice today. Make the internal conversation a positive one. There will be another chance tomorrow, or the next day. Yoga teaches us to be kind and compassionate towards others, and just as importantly to ourselves.
See you on the mat!
