When it comes to wellbeing practices, the word "consistency" is often misunderstood. You might assume that being consistent means attending a set number of yoga classes or gym sessions every week, that you stick to rain or shine. However, true consistency in a wellbeing practice goes beyond a rigid schedule. It's about integrating wellness into your daily life in a way that feels natural and sustainable, rather than being bound by a fixed routine.
Personalising Your Wellbeing Practice
The first step towards consistency is to personalise your set of practices. What works for another person may not work for you. Some people thrive on daily meditation and bi-weekly sweat sessions while others might find solace in a weekly nature walk and a Yoga Nidra now and then. The best way to be consistent is to try things out to find activities that resonate with you personally. When you find them adapt how and when you practice to fit your lifestyle. This might mean trying out different activities until you find what truly brings you happiness and sometimes it changes over time. Just like you do.
Flexibility Is Key
Life is unpredictable and uncertaint, it seems reasonable that your wellbeing practice should accommodate that unpredictability. Your practice might even mirror that unpredictability over time too and that’s just fine.
Consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day without fail; it means maintaining a flexible approach that allows you to adapt to life’s changes. Giving yourself that bit of freedom means you are more likely to join back in for the next session.
For example, if you usually go for a dog walk in the morning but it’s raining, consider practicing something indoors, reading or spending some time stretching and breathing. The aim is to remain engaged with your wellbeing practice, even if the form it takes changes from day to day.
Mindful Awareness
A crucial aspect of consistency in wellbeing is mindfulness—being present and fully engaged in whatever activity you choose. Consistent mindfulness practice can be more beneficial than simply checking off boxes on a schedule. Whether you're eating a meal, taking a walk, or even just sitting quietly, being mindful means noticing the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise without judgment. This approach helps cultivate a sense of ease-fullness and awareness that can permeate all areas of life.
Relaxed Yoga has been curate specifically to practice mindfulness and develop self-awareness. So that it becomes more natural to you off the mat. With these practices you come full circle and it becomes easier to become more consistent and easier for you to pick and choose what works for you.
Building Habits Gradually
Rather than overhauling your life overnight, focus on building small, manageable habits that can gradually become part of your daily routine. Start with one or two simple practices a month that you can easily integrate into your life. Over time, these small actions can lead to significant positive changes. For instance, committing to five minutes of meditation each day might seem insignificant, but it can lead to greater mindfulness and calm over time.
Balance and Moderation
True consistency embraces balance and moderation. Rather than pushing yourself to the limit, focus on creating a balanced approach that nurtures both your physical and mental health. It's important to recognize when you need rest and when you need activity. This balance can prevent burnout and promote a sustainable approach to wellbeing.
Community Support
Lastly, consider involving yourself in a community that shares your wellbeing goals. Thats the reason we have our forum and our livestream sessions. While community doesn’t necessarily mean attending structured classes. Instead, it could be as simple as joining a group for a monthly hike or engaging in a book club focused on personal growth. Having a support system can provide motivation and accountability, making it easier to maintain consistency in your practice.
Having others in the little squares up on your screen can have that impact of accountability using the body doubling effect.
Conclusion
Consistency in wellbeing is not about rigid routines or attending a set number of classes each week. It's about creating a flexible, personalised practice that fits seamlessly into your life. By focusing on mindfulness, balance, and gradual habit-building, you can cultivate a consistent wellbeing practice that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit. Embrace the journey and allow your practice to evolve as you do.
Main take away is that these are skills and techniques that are developed through trial and error (eg. practice).
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