Stepping onto the mat

Morning practice by the pool at our hotel in India.

The hardest part of home practice is starting. Once I actually step onto my yoga mat, I’ve already won. Is that true for you too?

So what can I do to make it easier to step onto my mat? Here’s my list:

1. Don’t delay. If I wake up any time after 6 a.m., no snuggling back under the covers. Instead, without debating with myself, I just sit up and start.

2. Start with meditation. If the thought of Trikonasana creates too much resistance, start with something easier. For me, it’s 10–20 minutes using the daily guided meditation from this app. I love the long pools of silence punctuated with simple instructions.

3. Save a spot. It doesn’t take much—a few props, a stick of palo santo incense, a journal with a good pen—to create a sacred space. And when I travel, I roll out my mat the night before. According to Atomic Habits, visual cues really work.

4. Make an announcement. Actually saying out loud to my people, “Tomorrow I’m going to practice yoga first thing,” increases the probability that I will practice yoga first thing.

5. No wine. This one makes me want to whine. But my morning practice is much more pleasurable (and likely to happen) if I don’t drink anything the day before.

What helps you get on your yoga mat consistently?

Until next Sunday,
Lizzie

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