how our yogis stay motivated (and how you can too)

Staying motivated is hard. There are days where staying in bed feels like enough effort in and of itself. Especially during the pandemic, putting in the hard work seems just like what it sounds: hard work,

However, there is an internal drive within all of us that demands to be put to use. We love achieving our goals and making progress that we are proud of, Unlocking that drive is not always easy, but fortunately, we have others to help guide us through the process.

Four of Yoga Wake Up's yogis share their insight and tips on how they keep their motivation up and their spirits high when they feel like they need a boost.

Cornelius Jones Jr., @corneliusjonesjr

Creative Director and President of YogaBurnElite On Demand

We all feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unmotivated sometimes; what habits do you have in place to stay committed to your goals?

Well, when I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed I take a look back to see if I've fallen off my morning routine, which is my prayer and meditation, morning yoga practice or jog, and my morning lemon water and tea. I also look back at how well I've rested throughout the night. Normally that could be off so I get back to turning lights down by 9:30pm, adjusting the temperature of my room so it's cool and not too hot, and I give myself a nice foot massage with either sesame or castor oil before hopping under the bed sheets. When I'm feeling unmotivated I normally try to work on my sleep and also make sure that I'm doing something during my day which invigorates my body and I'll open Spotify or SoundCloud and listen to Kaytranada or Deep House and just dance around my place or bop in my car.

What are some tips you've picked up during this pandemic that you can recommend to our community around staying positive when you feel yourself falling off track?

My tip is to check-in with your morning routine. If you don't have a set morning routine for yourself, start setting that today. Give yourself some grace and condition yourself to wake up each day and go to bed each night by saying out loud 3 simple things that you're grateful for.

Go-to motivation mantra? 

Abundance surrounds me.

Practice with Cornelius anytime with Daybreak: Motivate to Move Try it

Niki Saccareccia, @lightinsideyoga

Stress, Pain & Wellness Educator with 8 years of clinical experience

We all feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unmotivated sometimes; what habits do you have in place to stay committed to your goals?

Many! I'm a former Behavioral Therapist so most of my lifestyle is made of strategic habits. For my overall health: At least 8oz of water as soon as I wake up, intermittent fasting and 3-4 days a week of weight lifting and HIIT. Daily yoga, breathwork and meditation. Continually coming back to my "why" for the work I do and the way I show up in the world. Remembering why I'm putting in the effort to behave a certain way, unlearn certain ingrained beliefs and strive for certain kinds of freedom help me not linger in doubt, frustration and anger for very long.

What are some tips you've picked up during this pandemic that you can recommend to our community around staying positive when you feel yourself falling off track?

Speak vulnerably with your tribe. Tell them honestly how you're doing, what you're feeling scared or fatigued by, what is working, what you're hopeful about, and give each other permission to be in the uncertainty together. It humanizes it and allows for more intimacy and depth in our relationships. Name it to tame it!

Go-to motivation mantra? 

Take it one breath at a time.

When it's difficult to go on, join Niki for Doubt Dissolver Try it

Angela Leigh, @pureleighliving

New York-based health and wellness advocate and yoga teacher

We all feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unmotivated sometimes; what habits do you have in place to stay committed to your goals?

I put reminders in my phone and I wear an Apple Watch to breathe, take a walk, stretch and do the things that bring me joy and clarity. If I can tether a healthy habit to an existing part of my daily routine I find I have lighter and brighter days.

What are some tips you've picked up during this pandemic that you can recommend to our community around staying positive when you feel yourself falling off track?

Read! I feel so much more accomplished when I turn the last page to a book than viewing the final minute on the latest Netflix series. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good binge but my heart and soul elevates to a new space when I read a book and exercise my imagination. Hiking. I love taking walks and getting outside to connect to my body and brain. Do more of what you love and less of what feels forced.

Go-to motivation mantra? 

Be you, love you. All ways, always. I have this tattooed on my arm as a reminder to accept your whole self exactly as you are.

Remember that you have all you need inside you, and Own Your AM with Angela Try it

Arielle Marie Fanelli, @ariellefanelli

Acclaimed certified integrative nutrition health coach & celeb yoga trainer

We all feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unmotivated sometimes; what habits do you have in place to stay committed to your goals?

It's pretty easy nowadays for me to experience a lot of those emotions as a mom; I remind myself daily that this season I am in is short, and that motivation isn't something you're born with, but a habit you have to CHOOSE. I have a simple morning routine of a greens gut shot that I take which is just a really helpful, quick, ritual that helps me remember it's important to take care of ME, too. My son and I also do deep breaths together-so when he's upset, we both can take those breaths which keeps me from getting stressed by whatever he's experiencing as well.

What are some tips you've picked up during this pandemic that you can recommend to our community around staying positive when you feel yourself falling off track?

Honestly: whatever it is, you have to CHOOSE to show up for yourself. There's no short-cut. It's easy to get stuck in negativity or doubt or inaction, so making the choice to show up for yourself EVERY day, even when it's hard and you don't want to is a MUST.

Go-to motivation mantra? 

This season is short, even though it feels long when you're in it.

Practice with Arielle when you need a Midday Mind Reset Try it