05 Jan GET MOTIVATED FOR 2015
Setting New Year’s resolutions is an annual tradition where we fix life goals and self-improvement promises for the coming year. It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to start this practice around 4,000 years ago.
Although most of us start off with the best intentions, they invariably fall by the wayside within a short period of time. So how do we set goals that we can stick to and bring about the change in our lives that we want and need? In short, how can we get motivated for 2015?
Here, Charlotte Douglas, yoga instructor at Flex gives advice on how to increase your chances of sticking to fitness goals in the New Year and what her key motivators are:
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew – set realistic goals based on the time you have – if you are only free one day a week, work with that.
- Don’t set the bar too high – if you haven’t trained for years, it’s probably best not to sign up for 5 classes each week initially.
- Be realistic about outcomes – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and regaining fitness will take a little time
- Don’t be hard on yourself – try not to berate yourself if you slip off the wagon for a day or so. There is no need to religiously count calories, or set a schedule that is very difficult to maintain.
- Start small – start by being active for only 15 minutes each day, it will immediately make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing.
- Find something you love – if you enjoy what you are doing and feel a difference, and you will be more likely to stick at it. If we force ourselves to do something that brings no joy then we are much more likely to fall off the path pretty quickly.
I fortunately discovered yoga in my early 20’s, however it wasn’t until I became pregnant with my first child that I really started to fall in love with the practice. Says Charlotte. But even then, it took me time to find the right teacher, find the time, and most of all, to stop making excuses and to just step onto the mat!
Over the past 10 years I have fallen in & out of love with yoga many times. There have been periods where I have not stepped near a mat for weeks, even months. However, I have always returned and when I have, it has been a smooth and easy transition. This is part of what makes yoga so unique and appealing over many other disciplines.
Yoga has the ability to transform us – it’s a connection of the mind, body and soul.
It is so much more than a series of poses, or executing the perfect handstand. For me yoga is a way of life, about finding joy & happiness within.
My resolutions for 2015 are to deepen my practice, develop my meditation practice and of course, plant the seed of Yoga into a few more souls.
What will 2015 be for you? Listen to that inner voice and ask yourself what you really want to do. Maybe it’s yoga, maybe it’s Pilates, maybe it’s hiking and walking the dog……whatever it is, find something that you enjoy and that brings you peace.
Om shanti
From 21st January 2015 – by Charlotte Douglas
In this 8 week program, you will be guided through the basic principles of yoga including correct breathing techniques, correct standing alignment, strengthening asanas for basic arm balances, basic backbend technique, etc. This course is not only great for those who are interested in trying some yoga, but also for those who are looking to refine their practice.
