7 Ways To Revive Your Yoga Practice

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To continue getting the magical, transformative benefits of yoga, it’s important keep it fresh. Even though I have my favorite yoga studio, my home base in New York, I find it incredibly useful to try out new studios, classes and teachers — this way, you step out of your comfort zone and challenge your body, your mind, your heart and the amount of joy you can experience.

I’ve always thought I’m not into hot yoga. I tried it maybe once as a teenager, and that defined the way I felt about it for years… but only until last weekend.

I spent last weekend in Santa Monica, where I gave a try to a hot yoga studio. I ended up getting an unlimited pass and doing two classes back to back on some days… Boy was I hooked! The lesson? You don’t know until you try. And how you perceive things changes as you evolve.

But the wonderful thing is, you don’t always have to go to a new studio to find new ways to feel good. Here are a few simple tips that will help you revive your yoga practice, no matter what level of yogi you are, and no matter where you practice — at home or in a studio.

1. Set an intention. Before each practice, think about something that you want more of in your life. Or a challenge you’re going through. Something where you could really use more support. Ask for it, and dedicate your practice to it. Notice how much more supported and clear you feel after. As an alternative, dedicate your practice to someone — it can be a close person that you care about a lot, or even someone you don’t know very well.

2. Listen to your body. The most powerful yoga classes for me have been the ones where the teacher invites you to explore your own body instead of following strict movements. Tuning into your body wisdom and letting yourself move how it feels good to move is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. Every time you’ll find new places in your own body that feel AHA-mazing.

3. Close your eyes.Taking the previous point to the next level, try closing your eyes while you practice yoga. Or even finding a blindfolded yoga class! I had a blindfolded yoga experience during my yoga teacher training, and it was one of the scariest, most intimate and revealing things I’ve done. When you don’t have visual distractions like your own body, clothes and people around you, you automatically take things a notch deeper… along with the effect of your practice. Life changing!

4. Change up the time. Try shifting your practice to a different time of the day. Do you usually go to evening yoga after work? I challenge you to set your alarm for early morning and try starting your day for a yoga class instead. Are you a morning yoga person? Then give evening class a try. You’ll be surprised how different your body feels and moves in different times of day. If you’re more stiff in the morning, that’s not a bad thing. You’ll feel the effect and opening post-practice even more strongly!

5. Try the magic of aromatherapy. Another quick way to deepen your practice and make things feel new is using essential oils. Taking an energetic vinyasa class? Spray or clean your yoga mat with orange essential oil. Off to relaxing yoga? Use a drop of lavender essential oil. You can make your own yoga spray or buy pre-made ones. Just make sure you don’t overdo it if you’re sharing space with other people.

I’m also really into Aura Cacia’s Revive Body Cloths that are infused with essential oils, especially when there’s no time to take a real shower and I want a quick post-yoga refresher. My favorite is the Balance scent with peppermint, lavender, green tea — it’s always in my gym bag.

6. Start a yoga diary. Do you ever get the most profound revelations and creative ideas during a yoga class? I do. And I have to say, even though sometimes they feel genius and unforgettable during the class, they do tend to slip out of my head a few days later. That’s why having a yoga diary where you jot down ideas, words or images that come to you during yoga practice can be very helpful. We tap into magical energies while we practice, and the messages we receive can be important guidance in your life.

7. Add some yoga to your breath. Breath is life energy. It’s the easiest way to connect to yourself and add some yogic serenity to your day. Try this breathing exercise to instantly calm your nervous system!