Getting Into Practice Mode
Practising is a highly focused activity, that requires a big amount of concentration and a mindset, that allows learning and memorising.
We can not expect to be immediately focused, just because we decide to practice.
First we have to make sure, that we have everything we need (Instrument, scores, pencil, metronome and what ever we plan to use during the session) and that we have a in best case completely undisturbed place to practice. Turning your phone off, or if you are going to use the clock, metronome, tuner and so on from your smart phone turning it on airplane-mode is best.
Rituals
In addition to this many professional players, knowingly or subconsciously, have developed certain rituals to get into practice mode. That can be a few moments of breathing exercises or silence, meditation, the act of how you put your instrument together or how you tune it, or the first few notes that you play. Your special warm-up routine, that after having it done many, many times becomes the mantra, that puts you into a calm and relaxed state of mind.
We need a friend with us!
It is important that you like yourself and are nice to yourself when you practice, just like somebody who you want to help. Train yourself to think constructively and friendly while your practicing. You are your own teacher and you want this teacher to be encouraging and supportive. I guess, if you are standing next to a friend hearing his/her first try practising something, you would not start chuckling or rolling your eyes and say: „Epic fail, stupid!!“
Take it easy, step lightly!
Start with something easy and comfortable! You need to like your instrument too, before you give it difficult tasks.
A few long tones, or anything you feel comfortable with is fine.
Warming up is not only about getting your muscles ready, but also your brain. Therefore never over-stretch yourself during warm up.
Read on, if you want to know how long you should practice.