Four Easy Steps To Establishing a Daily Yoga Practice that Lasts!

Developing a yoga routine at home is an important and truly rewarding step in deepening your practice. Slow and smooth transition into a regular practice proves to work better and last longer. If you are a busy person struggling to find some free time for yourself here are four easy steps to establishing your daily routine:

1) Wake up five minutes earlier than you normally would. Let your yoga practice be on top of the list of your priorities. If it doesn’t happen in the morning, chances are that it won’t happen at all.
Practice five rounds ofSun Salutations or  Moon Salutations a few times a week for a month. One round takes only about a minute, and you will get to stretch and strengthen your whole body. Forward bends stretch your hamstrings and your back (Utanasana), back bends strengthen your back and stretch the chest, belly and the front thighs (Kobra or Upward Dog), and core strengtheners work the entire body (Plank, Chaturanga  and Downward Facing Dog).

2) Continue with the Sun or Moon Salutations and, if it feels appropriate for you, increase the number of repetitions to seven for another month. You will be energized without feeling fatigued, and you will notice new strength in your body after only few days. Chances are good that you will actually look forward to your morning practice by the end of the first month (or earlier)!
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3) Continue with the number of Salutations you are comfortable with, and add one spinal twist at the beginning (and the end if you have time) of your practice.This will release your lower back and you will find it easier to move in the poses. Try Ardha Matsyendrasana (seated twist), or one of the reclined twists. Complete with one of the seated forward bends, for example Pashimottanasana. 

4) Go to yoga classes and explore different yoga styles whenever you can even if it means once a week. Stick with a knowledgeable teacher who you feel comfortable with and who is willing to answer your questions. During your self-practice try to include one or two postures that you have learned in the class.
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Most importantly listen to your body, and enjoy this precious time being with your self!