What I faced coming back to Yoga after a long break
Yoga has always been a huge part of my life. Despite my love for it, it wasn't easy to open my yoga mat again. Returning to yoga after a long break can seem overwhelming, especially if you were a regular practitioner before. However, it is essential to remember that yoga is a journey, and the most important thing is to start where you are.
For almost six to seven months, I was off the mat, and I was out of sync. With my wedding, travels and ongoing social functions to attend, I couldn’t get into a proper routine. I used excuses of not having a proper daily routine, or lack of proper space, or tiredness from attending functions and kept procrastinating. I kept saying I'll start tomorrow or next month, but I completely caged myself.
But today I FINALLY opened my mat, I got back to practising yoga after months. It wasn’t easy, and just to mutter up the will to do it. I took the first step, and I realised it was, in fact, the most important step. I was almost back to square one, with tight muscles, reduced flexibility, core strength, and focus. During the first three days, I could only continue for 20 minutes before experiencing sore muscles.
To be honest, I didn't expect to face this much difficulty while getting back into yoga. I knew I wouldn't be as flexible as before, but it didn't even cross my mind that it would be this challenging. However, I wasn’t back to zero in its true sense. Although I didn’t have the same physical growth as before - I had the knowledge gained over the years. I still knew how to get back, what to do and how to do it the right way. I realised with practice I could reach back and beyond where I was before,, but without knowledge, you wouldn’t know how to begin. So I picked up my books again and brushed up my knowledge while practising the same on the mat. And believe you me, it was the best way to get back into Yoga again for me.
Here are some of the things I learned during my experience of getting back into yoga after a long break:
Start Slow
It can be tempting to jump back into your old routine, but it's important to remember that your body may not be as flexible or strong as it once was. Take things slow. It's okay if you can't do all the poses you used to be able to do or if you need to take breaks during your practice. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your time as your body opens up.
Listen to your body
Yoga is all about self-care and self-love. One of the most important things in yoga is to listen to your body. Pay attention to any discomfort or pain and make adjustments accordingly. If a pose doesn't feel right, don't force it. Be gentle to yourself.
Be patient
Getting back into yoga after a long break can be frustrating, However, it's important to be patient and remember that progress takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Keep showing up and practising, and improvements will come.
Find a supportive community
Joining a yoga class or finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide you with motivation and support. Surrounding yourself with people who share your passion for yoga can help you stay committed to your practice.
Celebrate your progress
It's important to celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Every time you show up to your mat is an accomplishment. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on how far you've come and the progress you've made since starting again.
Getting back into yoga after a long break can be a challenge, but with patience, self-compassion, and dedication, you can reignite your love for the practice and start to reap the benefits once again. Remember to be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and celebrate your progress along the way.
I documented my experience my first attempt of getting back into yoga to share with you guys, you'll find the video below. I'm also interested in hearing your yoga stories, so feel free to comment below or message me on Instagram (@yoginipujita) if you'd like to share or need help making your own journey back to yoga.
Get ready to dive into the rollercoaster ride of my yoga journey in my next blog! From struggles to triumphs, I'll be sharing it all. Don't miss out any updates, join me on Instagram (@yoginipujita) for more exciting content on yoga. See you there, fellow yogis!
Namaste !
(Written by Pujita)
Such a beautiful read!