For runners there are races. In competitive sports there are
playoffs. But what about the world of yoga? I would argue that the yogis’ equivalent
is the 30 days yoga challenge.
This past month I completed this feat of 30 consecutive days
of yoga classes. I had heard several people reference the 30 days yoga
challenge on my Facebook, and while I do yoga regularly, the idea of committing
to doing it every single day seemed daunting. I never thought I would be able
to do it; with time commitments, or just being too tired or sore from yoga or
my other workouts the day before. But last month I decided to give it my best
effort. I made the commitment and harnessed my willpower. One week turned into
2 weeks, 2 into 3, and before I knew it I had completed 30 days. It was an
amazing, inspiring experience. Some days
were really tough, but I’m glad I made the commitment and stuck to it!
So why should you do it? For starters, it gives us yogis a
tangible goal and challenge to work towards beyond our regular practice. It’s a
challenge that you have to put time and energy into, which brings with it a
great sense of accomplishment and empowerment. I find setting goals and
completing them spills over into other areas of life because it give me
confidence that I can do other difficult or intimidating things as well. But
beyond this sense of accomplishment, the wonderful thing about yoga is the
subtle shifts that come along with having a daily mind body practice. You are bound to notice shifts in your
energy, your mood, your awareness and being in-tune with your body.
I hope you consider doing the 30 day yoga challenge and here
are some of my tips for completing it:
Don’t be Afraid to Do
It Alone
I had the misconception that I was supposed to do a 30 day
challenge in conjunction with a certain studio or group. While I think this is great if you have a
good community you want to do it, it’s absolutely not necessary. I just did it on my own as a personal
practice and that worked out wonderfully for me.
Schedule Your Yoga
Practices Out For the Week
At the beginning of each week, plan out all the yoga classes
for the next week that you plan to attend and block off those times in your schedule. That way you aren’t scrambling last minute to
try and fit in some yoga. You have a plan and have committed to it, which makes
it easier to stick with it.
Modify In Class
30 days in a row means some days you will be sore, you will
be tired. Honor your body and take breaks
on the mat. Many days it’s a challenge in
itself just showing up each day and being present, and trying your best. But it’s not about doing each pose perfectly
and or in the most difficult variation. As
the saying goes, “it’s a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect”. Sometimes the
hardest part is listening to your body and easing off, if that’s what it calls
for.
Take Hydration to the
Next Level
Staying hydrated is important in any situation but this is especially
true with new fitness routines and yoga, which tends to be detoxifying for the
body. Instead of drinking just plain
water, amp it up to truly get your electrolytes back in balance. Add a dash of
salt, a lemon or other fruit wedge, or add a sprig of your favorite herb and
some stevia for even more fun!
Have a Back Up Yoga Plan
For me personally, I prefer to be lead in a yoga class outside
of my home, but sometimes with life it was hard to match up your schedule with
a class. I had a Seane Corn class
downloaded and ready on my laptop and did a guided practice with her one day. That
way I was prepared and didn’t fall off the ship even though I couldn’t get to a
live class.
Think About Diet
Shifts
As you start to dedicate more time to your mind and body connection
and paying attention to your body, notice how your diet effects how you feel.
Are there little shifts that you should start to make to feel even better, such
as more vegetables, or less sugar, or more healthy protein or fat sources? Use your daily time practicing yoga to get in
touch with you body and really explore what it may need.
Good luck and let me know how the 30 day challenge goes for
you!
