It’s the second month of the New Year and...about that time our resolutions start slipping through the cracks. According to Forbes, “less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them.” Depressing? Slightly. But discouraging? Not quite yet! 

So, what do we do when our #NewYearNewYou energy starts to wear off? It’s time to look at our resolutions from a different perspective - and we’re here to help. 

How To Reset Your Resolutions with an At-Home Yoga Flow: 

One of the most common reasons we break our New Year intentions is that we get a little over ambitious when we make them. As a result, most of us can easily blame our busy schedules for our lack of follow-through. 

Take yoga, for example. The ancient practice of yoga has been proven to boost both physical and mental well-being — it’s no wonder this form of exercise is such a common theme in our resolutions for self-improvement. But, while there are invaluable benefits to taking yoga at a local studio, there is also a lot to be said for practicing at home!

If you don’t live close to a studio, or you’re the on-the-go type who struggles to make time for a regular class, doing yoga at home can help you fit the practice seamlessly into your life. It’s also an incredible way to make your New Year’s Resolution way more attainable. 

We reached our to our local Sangha Studio for a private class with the founder, Caitlin Pascucci. Sangha is a studio that prides itself on community and making yoga accessible for everyone. During this class, we learned how to reset our intention for the New Year, at home every week - we loved it so much we had to share with you! 

Read on for our special Sangha Flow that can be practiced anywhere, anytime. 

Step 1: Seated Pose 

This is a great pose to begin and end a practice with. This can be done in a chair, on your couch, at your work desk...wherever! Chose a sitting position where the spine is upright and you are able to take some deep breaths. At the beginning of a practice (no matter how long it is) it can help us settle in and ground down mentally. At the end of a practice, it can help us re-integrate into whatever else we have to do afterwards. This pose is also a great way to take a minute and check in with yourself - and bring your New Year intentions back to mind. 

Step 2: Seated Bend & Twists 

This is a great way to get the spine moving, but without needing to stand up just yet. These Seated Spinal Twists and Bends help to release energy from deep within the body. The sequence helps increase flexibility throughout the spine, shoulders, and chest, as well as stimulates your digestive organs to aid in dextoxification. 

Step 3: Cat-Cow

The Cat-Cow stretch is a simple and effective way to get your spine moving and to help improve circulation in the discs in your back. It's a basic motion, but one that can be incredibly beneficial in preventing back pain and maintaining a healthy spine, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting. It is also believed to be a good stress-reliever and calming pose as you link the movements with your breathing.

We love to add in our Aromatherapy Treatments or a mist of Hydrating Floral Essence during the flow, and especially before poses like Cat-Cow, to help ground the mind and body. 

Step 4: Tabletop Leg Extensions

At the beginner level, Tabletop Leg Extensions can be practiced to bring stability and flexibility, while engaging the core and different muscles throughout your legs and hips. This pose sequence helps build core body strenth and lengthens the spine, while helping improve balance and coordination. 

Step 5: Downward Dog to Chaturanga

Transitioning from Downward Dog through Chaturanga to Upward Dog is a beautiful Vinyasa Flow. It strengthens and tones the wrists, arms, abdominal muscles, and lower back. For more ambitious yogis, it prepares the body for more challenging arm balances. 

Step 6: Sun Salutation 

This is probably the most common part of a standard flow class, so it sets you up to go to any class and is also a great way to get up and get moving! Practice this flow by breathing in deeply and releasing unwanted baggage, while focusing on the intention you've set. It's a simple yet incredibly beneficial series to remove energy blockages.  

Step 7: Warrior Twist 

The Warrior 1 pose blends softness and strength. This posture will strengthen your legs and back while opening your hip flexor and chest muscles. If you add in a twist, you'll really feel this in your lower back, abs, and chest. This also aids in focus and balance. A true #powerstance. 

Step 8: Reclined Twist to Savasana 

A Reclined Spinal Twist is a great way to cool down after moving, and helps release the spine because of the twist. Transition into Savasana (resting pose) is a nice, quiet way to close out your practice. Savasana gives your body the permission to just be. With mindful breathing, this quiet pose releases tension and grounds the body in a relaxed state to move forward into the day (and the rest of the year!) with a refreshed outlook. 

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