Even yogis are not immune to it, the famous inner couch potato. No matter how great and uplifting the first class may have been, as soon as everyday life, with all its obligations and stress, hits, many find it difficult to stay on the ball. After a long day, the couch and the next Netflix series seem too tempting. But don’t worry: if you really want to bring regularity to your yoga practice, here are a few tips for you.

Find a buddy

Going to class together with a yoga buddy is not only more fun, but you can also spur each other on. Canceling is much harder when you have someone else waiting for you, as you automatically feel much more “responsible”. If one of you has a low point, the other buddy can provide motivation. Also nice: A meal together afterwards as a reward!

Know your exact “why”

Why do you personally go to yoga? And why do you want to stick with it? When you know exactly what you get out of your practice, you have an intrinsic incentive. Is it your aching back that feels better afterwards? Is it your mental merry-go-round, which calms down during practice? Maybe you just want to get more flexible or stronger? All of these are valid reasons – find yours and recall it when you think about skipping your session!

Take part in a challenge

Especially at the start of a new year, there are often various yoga challenges online that ask you to stick with it for a month or more. A challenge like this is great for developing a new habit. You may decide to just do the challenge, but often you get so used to the regular practice that you don’t want to give it up afterwards.

Create incentives

Make your yoga practice as enjoyable as possible! It should be something you can really look forward to. Maybe you want to buy some really nice, comfy yoga clothes or a mat and accessories in your favorite color? Maybe this is your time to finally light that expensive scented candle you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Find out what makes your yoga practice more enjoyable for you, whether in the studio or at home.

Find your right style and studio

Self-discipline becomes difficult without fun on the mat. With so many styles of yoga, it can feel overwhelming to find the style that suits you, but trying it out can also be a lot of fun. Whether it’s relaxing Yin Yoga or sweaty Ashtanga Yoga, there’s a wide range to choose from! Of course, you can also combine several styles. The important thing is that you have fun and can achieve your “why” (point 2) with the chosen style. If you want to practice in a studio, choose one where you feel comfortable. The space, the size of the classes, the people – all this should appeal to you. And the location also plays an important role: the more difficult it is for you to reach the studio, the more difficult it will be for you to actually go there on a day with little motivation.

I wish you much success – and of course fun! – in your duel with your inner couch potato.