The idea of yoga and/or meditation to help relax and reduce stress is very alluring. Unfortunately, many of us find it difficult to really relax and reap the benefits of a mindfulness practice. We struggle with too many expectations, too many thoughts flowing in our minds, or we are worried about not fitting in or not “doing it right”. 

So how do we eliminate these obstacles to true relaxation? A yoga studio in Portland has some ideas that you can try no matter where you practice. 

Tips for a Relaxing Yoga Experience

To enjoy a better, more relaxing yoga experience, consider these tips: 

Minimize Distractions

If you are practicing yoga at home (like so many of us), you may find that there are numerous distractions that keep you from relaxing. Try to minimize these distractions as much as possible. Make sure televisions are turned off. Turn off your phone or put it on silent and out of reach during your yoga session. Dim the lights in the room, and if you feel compelled, light a candle or some incense. 

Setting a stage that you find relaxing and minimizing distractions will help you get the most out of your yoga experience. 

Try to Focus

When the world around us is chaotic, it is difficult to separate our thoughts and focus only on the present moment and present thought. This hinders our ability to relax. If you struggle with this, try to focus your mind on something specific. Maybe have a candle lit in front of you and you focus on the flame. Or, maybe incorporate a breathing exercise or mantra into your yoga or meditation. 

Keep an Open Mind

We all have certain poses that just feel great and we love doing them. But keep an open mind to new poses and postures that may help you get even more out of your yoga experience. As you practice, you will likely become more flexible and balanced, which may open the door for new poses that you once thought were unattainable. 

Work With an Instructor

One of the best ways to learn what relaxation techniques work for you is to work with a yoga instructor. An instructor can help you explore why you are struggling and can offer guidance on breathing, meditation, and other strategies that may help you tune out the distractions and focus on relaxing. Many yoga studios offer a variety of techniques like meditation, mindful movement, sound healing, reiki, and other experiences that can help. 

Practice

For most of us, relaxing is not as simple as sitting down and turning off our thoughts. The art of meditation and allowing ourselves to relax is something that takes practice. Over time, you will find it easier to relax and your postures and flow will become like second nature. As you master your practice, you may find yourself easily falling into a relaxed state, which can allow you to slow down and relax almost anywhere. 

Don’t Get Discouraged

As you can see, there are several things you can do to overcome obstacles on your journey toward mindfulness and relaxation. Perhaps the most important tip we can offer is to not get discouraged if you find yourself struggling. There is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to yoga – it is a matter of finding what works best for you. So, consider these tips from a yoga studio in Portland and forge ahead on your journey.