Naturally we all like to stay in our comfort zones. Once we have found a Teacher, Studio and style of Yoga that we love, we tend to stick to it, which is good! However, if you are someone who hasn’t stepped on their mat for a while or feels a little ‘funk’ within their practice, why not try out a new style of Yoga? You may find that trying out something new can deepen and expand your awareness towards this practice as well as greatly benefit you in your journey.

A few of my Students who come to my usual Vinyasa class which is a flow style structure connecting breath to movement had never tried Restorative before. Restorative Yoga focuses on pure relaxation using props such as yoga blocks, bolsters and blankets. Whilst Vinyasa is good for building endurance, stability, balance and flexibility, they found that adding in a Restorative class just once a week to their practice also now helped with other things in their lives such as lowering stress levels, supporting better sleep, improving mindfulness and lowering anxiety just to name a few!

Every time we do Yoga, we experience something differently whether it is mentally, physically or emotionally. No two practices are the same.

By documenting after our practice how it went, what emotions came up etc, you will start to be able to notice a few things. You may be able to start to see a pattern which regularly shows up as well as seeing where resistance usually shows up for you within your practice.

Taking a few minutes to reflect after each class helps you to see where you want or need to improve and therefore set new intentions going forward.

Although it may not seem it, investing in a quality Yoga mat is important.

Having a cheap mat which often may slip will not only distract you but it is actually unsafe when practicing on! Whilst some Studios offer mats that you can borrow, having your own is more sanitary and also becomes a little more respected over time by yourself as it becomes a regular tool you use in your personal practice!

There are many mats on the market, however I would recommend one that has a good grip, is non slip and has a good thickness.

Investing in 1:1 classes with a Teacher means that you can personalise your practice more. As the focus is purely on you, your Teacher can tailor each class to your specific goals, needs and desires. When someone else knows your personal goals, they can also hold you accountable to achieving them which you may not get from a regular Yoga class!

Have a conversation with your Teacher about where you are currently in your Yoga journey before you start working together; this way they can tailor your programme directly to you.
I would personally recommend working one on one with a Teacher for a few months to see increased benefits!

They are there to help you and no, they are not just for Beginners!
From Yoga blocks, straps, bolsters and wheels - all props can greatly enhance your practice if you use them. Many Students have this idea that using a prop can ‘dumb down’ their practice which could not be further from the truth.

Props can help you to personalise your practice more, meaning you will get more out of it! Rather than forcing your body to get into a particular pose, using a prop can help you achieve proper alignment as well open up your body more and prevent injuries. They also allow you to breathe and relax more into postures meaning you will find yourself eventually going deeper in a pose!

My personal favourite props are blocks, straps and a wheel!

If you are looking to enhance your practice, then I cannot think of any better way than booking onto a Workshop or a Yoga Retreat! Workshops can be half days or full days, but if you are looking to take a few days out for yourself, then I would recommend a Retreat.

Both allow you to fully immerse yourself into your practice, get you out of your ‘plateau’ as well as being a really good break away from daily life and stresses! Also, a massive part of Workshops and Retreats are Community - Meeting and speaking to likeminded people can really help you, especially when you realise that we all go through the same stuff!

If there is something particular you want to work on, you can find a specific Workshop/Retreat ie. A Workshop for relaxation or a Yoga Retreat for Surfers - whatever you fancy!

Sometimes, the thing we are resisting may be telling us that we actually need a break and to take some rest.

Whenever I have intentionally taken a break (because my body or mind has told me that I needed it), my practice has always been better off for it! Just like when your Teacher tells you that you should never force getting into a pose, sometimes this philosophy can relate to us actually taking time off of our mats too for a period of time!
Whenever I have ‘forced’ my way in to poses, it has never worked… but when I have taken breaks and come back to the pose maybe a few weeks later, I find it to be way more accessible or that I can deepen within the pose more!

Rest can help you deepen your physical practice, if you allow it to.

Whether in a class or at home, know that every time you get on to your mat, it is a sacred time.
Ask yourself if there is anything you can do to switch up your practice to make it that little more special.

For me, I love using essential oils, candles and incense sticks! I know others who like to use affirmation cards - they randomly pick one before they begin and the message on the card they have selected is the intention they use for that practice. Others like poems.
How can you sanctify your practice?

After each practice, you could try dedicating 5-10 minutes to allow yourself to ‘tune inwards’.
Most people start and recognise Yoga as the ‘physical movement’ side but are completely unaware that this practice is also about tuning inwards and taking time to observe our minds.

In our daily practice, you can start to incorporate a Pranayama practice (breath work) such as alternate nostril breathing or square breathing. Taking the time to focus on your breath daily can help improve your body and mind awareness as well as focus and concentration. You can also try candle gazing too!

Often when I have gone through a plateau within my practice, it is because I have either lost curiosity within myself and practice, I have gotten too serious or I have stopped being teachable!

Find a way to bring the fun and curiosity back in your practice. Also, have a conversation with your Teacher on what you are working on, ask them for help on a pose or just any guidance in general - they are there to help and support you!