“Yoga teaches you how to listen to your body.” - Mariel Hemingway

For many of us, yoga is a form of meditation. It's a way for us to stop, focus on our body and our breath, and be present in the moment every once in a while. But it’s not always so easy to get into that flow state. If you're in a bit of a rut with your yoga practice and don't feel that it's as relaxing and cathartic as it once was, it may be time to enhance things using a few tips and tricks, to get back to the refreshing and uplifting practice you know and love. Here are some of our favourite ways to give your practice a boost:

Find the perfect music playlist

A zen playlist can help to create an atmosphere of pure relaxation during your practice, so spend some time browsing iTunes, YouTube or whatever you usually use to play music, and put together a list of your favourites. Whether it’s a pre-made yoga playlist, a soundtrack to your meditation, or something a bit different, find the music that helps you make it to new levels of relaxation. 

Flow with a friend 

Doing yoga with a friend is a great way to switch things up. While yoga is mainly a personal journey, doing it with a friend allows you to share in their energy and their tips for good practice. You may want to choose a friend who is on the same wavelength as you when it comes to what you both want to get from the experience and encourage each other to hit your yoga goals, whatever they may be. 

Move to a new environment

If you're used to doing yoga in your living room, why not join a local class to switch things up? Sometimes the act of getting out of your usual environment and around other people can give you the boost you need. Plus, a change of instructor could be equally as helpful, since each instructor will have their own style, and you may find that a new style of teaching could benefit you. 

Use essential oils

Yoga is largely about relaxation, and many people struggle to appreciate the full benefits of the practice because they are unable to fully relax into it. Adding essential oils could help you personalise your yoga experience further, depending on what you want to get out of it. If you’re not sure which oils to explore, our blog ‘The 3 best essential oils for yogis’ could help. Also, check out ‘How to use essential oils in your yoga practice’ for more tips. 

Try a new type of yoga

If your usual go-to is a Vinyasa flow, maybe it's time to switch it up and try a Yin practice for a change? If you're usually dedicated to Iyengar yoga classes, a Bikram session might be just what you need to mix things up. Discover what you’d like to try next and which type of class might benefit your mind and body goals, and book a session that’s a bit different from what you’re used to. 

How are you shaking up your yoga practice to stay inspired this month? Share your journey with us on our social media channels.