One of the prerequisites for any healthy relationship is a mentally healthy you.  You need to be in a good place yourself before starting a relationship, because only then will you be in the right frame of mind to choose the right partner and make good decisions.  Meditation and yoga are great ways to ensure this.  They help to calm the mind and to improve one’s focus on the important things in life.  The good thing about yoga is that it helps to achieve the two-fold goal of “sound mind in a healthy body.”  And if yoga is new to you, you may benefit from these yoga tips for beginners.

Six yoga tips for beginners, as recommended by experienced yoga instructors:

1. Pick small achievable goals

Natasha Chawla from Chennai Yoga Studio says: “Pick small achievable goals, such as making time for merely a couple of classes a week.”  Starting small helps you achieve success faster, thus encouraging you to set bigger goals.  (Editor’s note: It is consistent with our previously shared advice on setting fitness goals that are SMART: Sensible, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.)

Her partner, Rohini Manohar adds, “Join classes with a friend. There is something magical about friendships that are built over shedding inhibitions of your body and rediscovering your potential.”  The buddy support system also helps to maintain discipline.



2. Take it slow and steady

According to Samar Pahwa of FinessYoga, “Always warm up beforehand, take lots of rest in between each asana, and properly breathe in and breathe out.  These are the keys to a good yoga session.”  Such deliberate steps also help in setting up a solid foundation for yoga.



3. Listen to your body

Don’t push your body’s limits.  Yoga is supposed to help with body pain, not add to it.  If you have previous injuries or medical conditions (pregnancy, vertigo, or such), let your instructor know so that they accommodate it in your practice.

Pradeep Mehta of Yoga Art has this tip: “Go with the flow of your body.  Don’t do yoga to lose weight or to build muscles, but to gain balance.”

4. Give it time

Do not try to speed up your progress.  Change will not come magically in a few sessions, and it will take time for a transformation of your mind, body and soul.

Nupur Biswas of NuYoga advises: “Have patience and faith in yourself and the process.”  Yoga will help you with that too! 😉



5. Rituals matter

Little rituals help in establishing new habits.  Have a personal yoga mat.  It acts as your personal space for yoga, and your mind automatically will go into that headspace once you step onto a yoga mat for the first few times.

Also be mindful of what you wear.  Your clothes should not hinder your movement, and your top should not ride up when you do inverse positions.  Practice yoga barefoot, as it is the best way to maintain grip on the mat.

6. As in many occupations, having a coach helps

Atul Verma of Yogatreya says: “To learn properly, take full advantage of a good, educated, and experienced yoga guru who can enlighten you with their knowledge.”

So, what are you waiting for?  Consult with your primary care physician and get into yoga.  Your body and your significant other will definitely thank you for it.  You may also want to consider these 10 ways to recharge the mind and body.