4 Ways To Add Yoga Into Your Day
Kandi Neal
Although the practice of yoga has been around for centuries, it has recently become more popular than ever and continues to attract new students every day. With a variety of styles and health benefits, it’s no surprise that people are turning to yoga for a mind–body connection. For those who want to incorporate yoga into their busy lives but just can’t seem to find the time, let alone make it to a class, we’ve got you covered. Here are some simple tips and tricks to bring the studio to you.
Stretch Things Out
A lot of people turn to yoga to increase flexibility, while others shy away from it because they are not flexible. The truth is, being bendy is not a requirement for yoga. However, finding time to stretch is an easy way to integrate yoga into your daily routine. It’s as simple as setting your alarm 10 minutes early and committing to stretch before you officially begin your day. Soon you’ll start to notice that your mornings might just be a bit more peaceful, and flexibility will gradually start to improve without even thinking about it.
Go Online
From paying bills to meeting soulmates (or at least dinner dates), we do everything online these days. So why not do yoga? There are a variety of online classes available free of charge and they are easy to find. You can simply type in what you’re looking for and be presented with plenty of choices to easily add an at-home class into your day. Whether you’re searching by an instructor, a time increment, or a particular class style, it’s all right there at your fingertips.
Some of our YouTube faves include:
You can look for studios that offer Livestream classes as well. Even if you can’t catch it live, lots of times the sessions will be stored in an online library, available for a minimal charge.
Just Breathe
This may sound silly since we breathe all day every day without much thought. However, that’s actually why the breath is a good place to start. When we begin to give breathing some attention, it forces us to slow down and be fully present. Long full inhales and mindful exhales to the count of five is a great way to get centered, focused, and calm. Beyond that, breathing is the foundation of any yoga practice, so when you start to focus on the breath, the rest will fall into place.
Here’s a video where Denise shares some deep breathing exercises. Be sure to follow @denisevasi and @maed for more self-care inspo!
Keep It Simple
The good news is that you don’t need a fancy studio space or a lot of room to practice in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a mat and a place to put it, even if it’s in your bedroom, living room, or on your kitchen floor. Pick a sequence that works for you, whether it’s holding long lunges or trying backbends with forward folds, and then schedule it in as part of your day. When you make it a priority, it becomes a habit, and it will not only be a lot easier to stick to, but you’ll look forward to that bit of mindful movement on your mat. Once you’re in a good groove, treat yourself to a yoga prop to elevate your practice.
Finding time to practice yoga on a busy day isn’t hard to do! With just a few tiny tweaks to your calendar, fitting in some time for self-care will start to come naturally and feel less daunting. By following these small steps, you can easily make yoga a part of your daily routine and become a skilled yogi in no time.
