|
I have welcome a few new members in Yoga with Clem which is always a super exciting time! New routines are getting built and we want to make sure they stick. I thought I would go over some key points to keep in mind when we start a new routine. This is important stuff for my new members but also for anyone who wants to start a healthier routine. Make it SimpleStart small and simple. It's tempting to go all in right away, but real change takes time. Begin with one or two new habits to prove to yourself that you can succeed. It's essential, because changing our behaviours means changing our identity. The slow way is the fast way, because it's the only one that works. Make it FunChoose a routine you enjoy. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to run. Find something you love, whether it's yoga, dancing, or walking with a friend. Make it fun with little things like new workout outfits or motivating apps. For example, in the app I use with my clients, after a strength workout, it tells you how many animals you've lifted (like 62 alpacas or 40 golden retrievers). It's silly, but I'm always looking forward to it! Make it ObviousReduce the friction of starting your routine. Decide in advance when you'll practice yoga and try to stack it onto an existing habit. For example, do your yoga right after brushing your teeth in the morning. Create a dedicated space for your practice, even if it's just a corner of a room, so you don’t have to set up every time. Treat Yo'selfReward yourself! The great thing about yoga is that it makes us feel so good and it's often its own reward. Find other small rewards, like listening to your favorite podcast during a walk or enjoying your first coffee of the day while learning a new language. These little pleasures make it easier to stick to your habits. That's it from me today :) If you want to talk to me about joining the next intake of the Body & Mind Reset, or if you have any questions, I'm always here. Reply to this email, and I'll come back to you swiftly. Om, peace 🧡 Clem |
I'm a bilingual yoga teacher who helps people who sit a lot gain mobility, move without pain and reduce their stress.
There are two fundamental skills I believe everyone should develop as early as possible: emotional regulation and body awareness. Most people get why emotional regulation matters. It's the ability to recognise an emotion arriving, identify it precisely (sometimes anger is actually fear, or a subtler feeling like injustice), and pause before responding... so you can respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. But body awareness's trickier. You might be thinking: "Of course I know when I'm in...
It's not a secret that I've been dealing with anxiety for a long, long time. I often feel like my brain is working against me, telling me that I don't do enough, that I could do more, and that whatever I do, I better do perfectly (or else). I'm dealing with that much better than I used to, but I'm also aware this is something I will have to deal with forever. Still, I'm always looking for ways to make sure the anxiety doesn't take too much space. Which led me to the realisation that I had...
"I don't want to do yoga, I want to start a revolution!" "I don't want to calm down, I want to change everything!" If you don't know her... she's an icon I completely understand the sentiment. The powers that be want us to calm down, to be docile, to accept things as they are, and to let them get on with their dodgy dealings on their own. If we do yoga, aren't we playing right into their hands, really? And why should it be our responsibility to calm ourselves down, when we'd be much calmer if...