Introduction

We often struggle with progress because of two main things: inconsistency and lack of motivation. I get it. As someone who tries to practice yoga every day, I can honestly say there are times when I just don’t feel like it, even though I know I should. So, let’s take a moment to talk about what consistency and motivation really mean, and then I’ll share five tips to help you keep coming back to your mat.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people have the wrong idea about motivation. Hell, I used to be one of them. Many people think that motivation just magically appears, and then they will start taking action. The truth is, it works the other way around. You have to take action first, and then motivation will follow.

For example, let’s say you want to write a book. It can feel pretty overwhelming, and I bet many days you don’t just wake up excited to write. But if you sit down at your desk, open your favorite writing program, and start typing, you’ll often find that the creative ideas begin to flow.

Then, the next day, you’ll remember how great it felt to be productive and make progress on your book, and that little boost will motivate you to set aside time to write again. So, if you take that first step, you might be surprised at how it sparks your motivation.

Consistency is the ongoing effort you make to help establish a habit. It’s what keeps you showing up when motivation alone isn’t enough. Back to our example, when writing a book, even if you know that writing feels rewarding, there will still be days when you don’t feel like doing it. Consistency will keep you moving forward until your motivation comes back. If you don’t remain consistent, you will most likely struggle to achieve your goals.

Before I get into the list, I would like to share with you something one of my favorite yoga teachers says. Just remember, showing up is the hardest part. Once you show up you’ve already done the hardest part of class, so take the time for yourself and enjoy your time on your mat. Now, let’s get into the list of five things that have helped me stay motivated and consistent with my yoga practice over the years.

5 Tips to Stay Motivated in Your Yoga Practice

1. Keep Your Mat Somewhere That Reminds You to Practice

Staying motivated can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when things aren’t right in front of us. After all, out of sight out of mind. To help keep your yoga practice on track, try keeping your mat somewhere you can see it and easily get to it. It’s kind of like setting out your workout clothes the night before to prepare for a gym session.

Personally, I love keeping my yoga mat in view right across from my bed, next to my dresser. It’s hard to ignore, and it’s one of the first things I see when I wake up. This little change makes it much easier to roll out my mat, even on those days when I might not feel like it. Give it a try, you might be surprised by how much it helps.

2. Practice Yoga at a Time That Fits Your Schedule

If you find yourself practicing yoga at a time that feels inconvenient or stressful, it can be tough to stay motivated to show up regularly. If you’re a morning person, starting your day with yoga might be the perfect way to feel energized and ready for whatever comes your way. On the other hand, if you enjoy winding down in the evening, practicing yoga at night can help you relax and let go of the day’s stress. Find the time that feels best for you, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

I really enjoy practicing yoga in the afternoon. I usually find that I have more me-time after getting home from work around two o’clock. Of course, that doesn’t always fit my schedule, so I sometimes roll out my mat earlier in the morning or later at night when it works better for me. If you’re starting a new yoga habit, it can be super helpful to have a consistent time to practice, but remember, it’s all about what suits you best.

3. Add Your Practice to an Already Existing Habit

Creating a new habit can be easier if you connect it to something you already do daily. You could do it right after you wake up, before your shower, or even after your daily walk or meditation session. There are so many options, so have fun experimenting to find out when you enjoy practicing yoga the most and which habit you might be able to add it to.

I like to practice after I meditate, take my daily walk, or when I get home from work. Lately, I’ve been feeling like a busy bee, so my schedule can change a bit. But I’ve got a few daily habits that I enjoy sticking to, and I love to bunch them together whenever I can.

4. Mix Things up to Keep It Exciting

Yoga is such a versatile practice, and that’s just one reason why I love it. If you keep doing the same yoga class with the same poses over and over, it can start to feel a bit dull. So, why not shake things up? Explore different styles of yoga, try out new poses, and bring some fun props like blocks or blankets to your mat. Learn to make your practice yours.

I like to check in with myself before I start, and then I choose a practice that matches how I feel that day. It makes such a difference. For example, there are days I prefer a more energized classes and some days I need something more restorative. I also love experimenting with what I wear to class and what props I use. There are so many ways to keep your yoga journey fresh and exciting. You should have fun with it!

5. Remember Your Reason

One of the easiest ways to stay motivated is by reminding yourself why you started in the first place. Maybe you dove into yoga for weight loss, to reconnect with yourself, or just to find some mental clarity. Trust me, remembering your reason is such a powerful motivator. And you might find that your reason has changed over time, which is totally okay to acknowledge.

I began my yoga journey as a fun addition to my weight loss plan. At first, I really enjoyed it, and for a long time, weight loss was my main motivation. But after a few months, I noticed I was losing interest and practicing less frequently. That’s when it hit me, the way I looked at yoga had changed. It turned into something much more than just a workout. It started to improve my mental and spiritual health too.

I realized I wasn’t enjoying yoga as much because I was narrow-minded about it. Once I redefined my reason for practicing, I felt better about attending classes. I learned to appreciate that it wasn’t just about moving a lot or counting calories. It became a way to work on and grow my mental, spiritual, and physical health all at the same time. Once I embraced my new “why” and tailored my practice to fit my needs, I fell in love with yoga all over again.

Conclusion

I think many of us can relate to the struggle of staying motivated and consistent. I’ll admit, I still find it tough sometimes myself. I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me keep that motivation going throughout the years, and I hope you find at least one of them helpful.

We’re all unique in our own ways, so if something in this post resonates with you, that’s great. And if not, no worries at all. I’d love to hear about what you do to encourage yourself to show up on your mat each day. Please drop a comment and share your ideas and stories with the community. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Thank you for taking the time and energy to read this post. I hope to see you in the next one. Namaste.