Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, stress relief, and overall well-being? Is this the year, the time, the season? Yoga, with its myriad of physical and mental benefits, can be a transformative practice. However, many of us, caught in the whirlwind of daily life, often feel overwhelmed by the idea of adding another commitment to our already packed schedules. We have kids or grandkids, work, meetings, groceries and dinner, this and that, and even with the best of intentions, our self-care practices, our exercise routines and ideas, take a backseat.
But what if I told you that yoga can actually simplify your life? By incorporating a few simple practices and techniques, you can experience the profound benefits of yoga, even with the busiest of schedules.
Here are 5 practical tips to help you fit yoga into your life:
1. Short and Sweet Sessions
Micro-practices: Don’t have an hour to dedicate to a full yoga class? No worries! Even a few minutes of yoga can make a significant difference. Try a quick sun salutation or a short meditation session. You can practice at your desk with a short, chair practice or breath work practice. When I arrive somewhere a few minutes early, I frequently use time in the car to meditate and breathe, and that is a practice just as any other.
2. Yoga on the Go
Desk yoga: This doesn’t require a full-on mini-yoga studio in your office. You don’t even need a mat if it doesn’t fit. You CAN do full yoga in your office with a mat and candle and music. OR you can practice in your desk chair, at your desk with a video or with a few minutes of simple stretches like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and seated twists can help alleviate stress and improve posture.
Travel yoga: Pack a yoga mat or a travel yoga mat and practice in your hotel room or a nearby park. This is a great way to stay grounded and centered while traveling. You can also practice without a mat, using a towel from the hotel, or grab a class at a studio there to try new places and styles and instruction.
3. Yoga to Wake Up or Wind Down
Morning yoga: Set your alarm clock even just 15-20 minutes earlier to spend those minutes on your mat. Short practices with a few sun salutations can wake up your body and your mind and set your day. See the change in your day when you start with a few minutes of yoga.
Evening yoga: A gentle yoga practice before bed can help calm your mind and prepare your body for better sleep. Some days you might feel like a full-length class; others you may want to focus on calming, rest poses. You might also really enjoy a longer meditation session.
4. Yoga with Friends and Family
Group yoga: Invite friends or family members to join you for a yoga session. This can make the practice more enjoyable and help you stay accountable.Most studios also have a small group rate if you want to start a class with a few friends, coworkers, or family members and have a class just for you at a time that works best.
Yoga retreats: Consider attending a yoga retreat to immerse yourself in the practice and connect with like-minded individuals. These can also be great to do with a friend or loved one; there are even virtual retreats. I have a DIY weekend retreat that is self-contained; I give you everything you need to enjoy a weekend retreat anytime you want and repeat as you wish — could be a great annual tradition!
5. Online Yoga Classes
Virtual yoga studios: Many yoga studios offer online classes that you can access from the comfort of your home. I have up to three virtual classes each week!
Yoga membership: Join a yoga membership (yes, I have one!) to access a variety of yoga classes, guided meditations, and breathing exercises. New practices are added each month, and the 24/7 on-demand library has all the types of yoga and levels of intensity in a variety of lengths so that you can find what you works best for you on any given day! This flexibility allows you to practice at your own pace and choose classes that fit your schedule and skill level.
Remember, the key to incorporating yoga into your busy life is to start small and be consistent. Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve perfection and expect yourself to do a full-length class every single day. Instead, focus on enjoying the process and finding what works best for you. Focus on prioritizing self-care by having access at your fingertips when you are ready and have time in your schedule to pull up yoga you want and need on-demand.
Overcoming Doubts and Embracing the Journey
If you’re new to yoga, it’s natural to feel hesitant or unsure about your ability to fit it into your life. However, with a little grace and a positive mindset, you can overcome these doubts and embark on a transformative journey. Join me along the way with my TG Framework: Tenacity and Grace, the tenacity to return to your mat and the grace to accept each practice as part of the lifelong journey.
Here are a few tips to help you overcome your doubts:
- Start slowly: Begin with short, gentle practices and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable.
- Find a supportive community: Join a yoga class or online community to connect with other yoga practitioners and share your experiences.
- Be patient with yourself: Progress takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
- Embrace the journey: Yoga is not just about physical postures. It’s also about cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner peace.
In fact, right now you can do all of this with my Last Day, First Namastes Challenge!
This challenge is perfect for everyone of any level and is designed to help you close the book on this year and prepare for the new year ahead in a way that also prioritizes your self-care.
New Year’s Eve is a Yin+Meditation class, a class that focuses on holding gentle stretches, breathing, and making space.
Then, the first few days of the new year will hold daily 10-30 min. self-care sessions and vary from a yoga session you can do at your desk to meditations and more.
Finish the challenge with a great yoga habit, aligned and ready to embrace your best life.
All for only $10!
Be well on your way to 2025 goals for only $10.
Commit to yourself for only $10.