How to Stay Consistent with Your Yoga Practice

Building a new habit—whether it’s yoga or any other wellness routine, can feel challenging at first. It's easy to set a plan and expect to follow it strictly, but once you start, reality can hit hard. The first week is often the toughest because you're trying to establish new habits that disrupt your old routine, like waking up earlier, eating healthier, or fitting in a quick stretch. It can feel discouraging when it's difficult at first, but stick with it through that initial phase, and you'll find it gets easier over time.

Here’s how to stay committed to your yoga practice, no matter how busy life gets:

1. Pick a number and stick to It

Whether it’s minutes per day or days per week, consistency is key. Pick a realistic number that you know you can stick to, whether it's 15 minutes of yoga every day, or a few sessions throughout the week. The trick is to make it something that fits into your lifestyle, so it doesn’t feel like a burden.

2. Be kind to yourself, especially in the first week

The first week is often the hardest, and that’s completely normal. You’re essentially training your mind and body to adjust to a new routine. It’s tempting to feel discouraged when things don’t go smoothly, but remember that new habits take time to form. Stick with it through those initial tough days, and soon, yoga will start to feel like a natural part of your routine.

3. Make It work for you

One of the most important lessons I learned from my yoga journey is that being flexible (pun intended!) with your schedule is okay. If you only have 10 minutes, that’s enough to get a quick stretch or practice in. What matters is showing up. You don’t have to dedicate hours every day to see the benefits of yoga. Small, consistent steps will lead to long-term growth.

4. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Consistency doesn’t mean you have to be perfect every day. Celebrate the fact that you showed up for your practice, no matter how long or short it was. Acknowledge the small wins: the days you rolled out your mat when you didn’t feel like it, the extra deep breath you took in a challenging pose, the way you are feeling more peaceful and aware. These moments are what make a practice sustainable and joyful.

5. Adapt and stay flexible

Yoga is meant to serve you, not stress you out. If your schedule changes, be adaptable: practice in the evening if mornings don’t work, or take your flow outside for a change of scenery. Keeping your practice fun and fresh will help you stay motivated.

6. Stick with It. You’ll be glad you did

Whether you’re trying to stay consistent with yoga or start a new fitness journey like weightlifting, the same principles apply: pick a number that works for you, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every bit of progress. Stick with it, and before you know it, your practice will become something you look forward to, rather than something you feel like you "have" to do.

Remember, building a new habit isn’t about being perfect: it’s about showing up, even when it’s tough. And trust me, once you get through that first challenging week, you’ll find that the practice becomes a natural and rewarding part of your life.

If you’re looking for more support on your yoga journey, don’t forget to check out our Wanderflow Travel Class Pack, designed to keep you grounded and connected wherever you are.