1. Invest in a good mat and props

Your mat is your sacred space. You will stand, sit, balance, fall. You will laugh, sometimes you will cry. You will sweat it out, you will lie down, you might even fall asleep – All on your mat! So invest in a good mat to begin your journey. Alongside, do not shy away from buying a couple of blocks and straps to support you during yoga. A good mat, solid blocks and comfortable straps will launch your journey comfortably.

2. Accept you are a beginner

Yoga is like an ocean – you keep diving deeper and deeper. When you start, accept yourself where you are, as you are.

3. Find a quality teacher

Learning any new skill requires an instructor. Learning to play an instrument or driving a car, we’re beginners when we start off. We need someone to guide us, to clear basics, to tell us what we are good at and what we need to work upon. Similarly, when it comes to starting a yoga practice, finding a quality trainer is an investment you are making in yourself. 

4. Remember to Breathe

How many hours during the day are we really consciously breathing? Ok, how many minutes?! It might seem silly that you’d forget to breathe, but we all do it. For most of the day, breathing is an involuntary exercise. In Yoga, breath guides our movements. When we breathe in an even and relaxed way, we send a message to the body and brain that everything is okay, and this helps to reduce stress levels, and increase a sense of wellbeing. If you don’t remind yourself to breathe, your yoga teacher will!

5. Release expectations and avoid comparisons

When we focus only on the outcome of a situation, we deny ourselves the ability to really be present and fully in the moment itself. The result, outcome or achievement of any practice is not something we have control over – so let go of being ‘good’ at yoga, and focus on the moment you’re in right now.

Remember, your comparison is only with yourself, not with a fancy yoga influencer you see on Instagram.

6. Focus on Foundation and correct alignment

Whether you are sitting or standing, the foundation of your body is incredibly important. Just like the foundations of a house the whole structure relies upon it, similarly in Yoga, proper alignment of limbs and your entire body, is your real foundation. Pay attention to the way your hands and feet are placed. Spread your fingers and toes to create a base of support, and listen to those small cues from your teacher.

7. Be consistent

Discipline will take you places where motivation won’t. Be consistent with your practice. Only a regular practice will bring you all the magical effects of Yoga. If you cannot take out one hour everyday, start with 30 mins, but do it daily. Practicing for just 5 consecutive days a week will show you enough progress to be consistent.

8. Go slow – Listen to your body

Don’t attempt Shirsasana on Day 1! Yes, we all want to be able to do Insta-worthy poses but remember the beauty lies in the basics. Start slow, allow your body time to adjust – adjusting to the movements, to the schedule, to the progressive load.
Your body is constantly communicating with you, listen to it. Nourish it with good food, hydrate it with enough fluids, get ample rest and keep pushing yourself to make progress.

9. Eat mindfully

Wellness truly is inside-out and 70% of how you look and feel depends on what you eat. Mindfulness is one of the key aspects in our wellness journey. Be mindful of what you eat, when you eat, also how you eat. Properly cooked food not only has essential nutrients, but also has “Prana” Shakti – Life force; allow your body to absorb it well.

10. Respect your mat

As we discussed above, your mat is your sacred space – YOUR SPACE. It absorbs your movements, your energies and your emotions. Respect it. Clean it regularly and keep it personal. Mats absorb our energies. For both hygiene and protection, it’s always best to use your own mat and keep it personal. Always fold it / roll it well and keep it on a clean surface.

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