10 Ways To Level Up Your Yoga Practice
The early days of your yoga practice are like the early days of a new relationship. You’re in a honeymoon phase, learning new things and experiencing the glow that comes with the first steps into yoga. With every new class you take you’re gaining strength and flexibility, noticing how much more your body can do and how good it feels to loosen up and grow in strength.
But much like a relationship, that honeymoon period can come to an end, and you may find yourself in a plateau. No matter how much you practice, your body doesn’t seem to want to progress. This is completely normal, and some people find comfort in reaching this level. But if you want to push yourself to the next level in your yoga practice, here are a few things you can try.
10 Ways To Level Up Your Yoga Practice:
Deep Dive Into Breathwork
The physical poses of yoga (known as asana) are just one element of yoga practice. If you feel you have reached a plateau here, then it’s worth exploring the breathwork aspect of yoga, known as pranayama. By understanding and practising your breathing you can elevate your asana work, and it can really transform your practice.
Read The Yogic Texts
Yoga is far more than a physical practice, and if you’ve been focused on the asana elements then you may benefit from a bit of light reading. There are hundreds of yogic texts that explore the philosophy, teachings and history of the practice. Reading some of them can help you gain a deeper understanding of why we practice, work through any frustrations you have and put your personal practice into perspective.
Get Into The Positions You Hate
Everyone has certain poses they don’t like – maybe even hate – which makes you avoid them. They could be poses you don’t yet have the flexibility, balance or strength to do well, poses that are uncomfortable, or just because you don’t like doing them. But only by persevering with those challenging poses can you grow and flourish.
Explore New Types of Practice
There is more than one way to practice yoga, so get out and explore the different styles and teachers in your area. Each style of yoga offers something slightly different, and by exposing yourself to a range of teachers and teachings you can bring new elements into your own practice.
Write A Yoga Journal
Journalling is a great way to track not only your physical progress in yoga but your mental journey too. Freely writing your thoughts and emotions about your journey, your big and small wins, and the things you are struggling with will help free your thoughts and allow you to see your true progress.
Go On A Yoga Retreat
Being able to maintain a regular yoga practice while also running a busy life is incredibly valuable. But there’s nothing quite the same as taking a few days or weeks to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in your yoga practice. Yoga retreats are the perfect place to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your barriers and your practice, as well as provide valuable education and relaxation time.
Start Daily Meditation
Meditation and yoga go hand in hand, so if you aren’t already, start a daily meditation. Taking just 5 minutes a day to meditate can increase your mental clarity, control anxiety and allow you to develop a deeper bond with your body and mind. Along with the many physical and mental benefits, regular meditation can really help you take your yoga practice to the next level.
Embrace The Yogic Lifestyle
Yoga isn’t just a practice – it’s a lifestyle. It’s about more than just what happens on the mat. Yoga is a philosophy that can encompass every aspect of your life, from what you eat to how you react to stress and what you value. You don’t have to take on every element of the lifestyle at once, but by bringing in new elements of the yogic lifestyle you can understand your practice in a completely new way.
Photograph Your Progress
Many people will use mirrors to study their poses during their yoga practice. While this can sometimes be helpful, it’s also a distraction that takes you out of the moment and lets criticism and self-doubt into your mind while you’re practising. Instead, set up a camera to take photographs regularly. This allows you to study your form outside of your practice, and seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating!
Eat Clean To See The Difference
When you eat well, your physical practice and mental well-being will follow. When you eat good, clean foods, you will find your energy on the mat will be completely different. You might have already noticed this yourself – how different your practice feels when you’ve eaten well, and when you haven’t? Commit to a diet that fuels your practice, and see what a difference it can make.
At Balearic Retreats we specialise in providing the ultimate getaway experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with your body and your yoga practice in the beautiful scenery of the Balearic Islands. We work hard to create a magical atmosphere at each of our yoga retreats, allowing you to focus on nothing but yourself and your practice for a week or two, surrounded by breathtaking views and fresh, delicious meals cooked by our talented chefs.
If you’ve reached a plateau in your yoga practice and want to take things to the next level, visit one of our retreats to learn more about yourself and your practice. Just click here to book your place.