Magic Circle Thing a Ma-Jig

I am a beginner and I'm trying to get my stitching and patterns down before I start making actual pieces. But I feel like all my stitches are too tight and I can seem to keep count bc everything becomes tight after the double crochets. How can I keep my stitching loose. I've order supplies like the finger ring to hold the yarn and better needles. I honestly think it's the way I am holding the needle and yarn. HELP!!!