"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going"

Jim Ryun

So wow, January is over already.

Did you vow to start good habits in 2022? Put your health first, do more exercise, maybe even do more yoga (yes! I'm doing a fist pump right now!)
If you still fancy yourself a yogi and like the idea of getting into the yoga groove, here are a few tips that you might find helpful to establish your own yoga habit 🤩

1. Join a class (I would say that, wouldn't I?!) I started yoga at a gym on a Saturday morning. I never had the will to practice at home on my own. Having a time, place and people to commit to helps.

2. Add on Now, it wasn't the yoga class that kept me going every week. It was the sweaty spin class beforehand that got me to the gym. The yoga was just an added bonus afterwards. The yoga stuck, the spinning has long been retired 😛 Where could you add in a bit of yoga to your day?

3. Buddy up I hope my friend Margia won't mind me name dropping, but we used to do the above spin/yoga combo together every Saturday - and now she comes to my class - how amazing is that?! Doing an activity with someone, whether a friend, family, colleague or neighbour makes you more accountable so you show up. You help each other to do something that's good for you both - win win.

4. Go shopping Yes, you read that right. Investing in gear that makes you feel great - new leggings, a decent sticky mat, some props. It's a signal to yourself that you are ready to invest in yourself. Plus a yoga strap is £5 - compare that to the cost of a Peloton or a gym membership!

5. Enjoy yourself With no joy, you're not likely to keep going, however 'good' you think it is for you. Find a teacher and style that you like - when it comes to yoga, there is a tonne of it out there and a gazillion amazing teachers to choose from who are itching to share the love.

January is over, but bring on February!

Read more (long read) about maintaining habits on my blog for Yogamatters (June 2021)