Incorporating yoga into your daily life: The misconception of all vs nothing
What does it mean to be a “yogi” or someone who “does yoga”? The good news is there is no one size fits all, so, do whatever makes you happy whatever fills your cup.
There is a common misconception that you need to do yoga every day or even twice a day, I can guarantee you that even as a yoga teacher and educator I don’t practise everyday. Afterall yoga is supposed to be an enjoyable thing and take stress away from your life, not add to it.
For me, yoga is rooted in many of my interactions and my daily life, that’s why I love yoga. Even if I don’t set aside a specific time to do yoga it still impacts my life
Here are some ways you can incorporate yoga and what you gain from yoga into your daily life
A short practise
Ok, so we’re starting off with the most obvious one. A short practise or a yoga class can be a great addition to any day. Whether you do some yoga to wake up, go to sleep de-stress at lunchtime, whatever suits you. I always recommend bookending your day - take 5 mins (or even 3 mins) at the start and end of your day as a pause
I love having a yoga class in my weekly schedule, it allows me assign a time for yoga and it’s out of my house so its easier to fully be present .
2. Pranayama (aka breath) for de-escalation
About to blow a fuse at our kids, partner, boss, barista who burned your coffee? Practise the breathwork from yoga.
Take a big breath in and sigh it out
Turn your attention to your breath for a few seconds
3. In the car
If you drive to work (or anywhere), utilise this time... turn off the radio, try it for a week and see if you notice a difference. Focus on your breath. Notice the steering wheel, place your attention on the physicality of your driving. Take a few minutes of your journey to relax, centre yourself, set yourself up for the day without all the lists, plans and deadlines .
4. Making your coffee
(or boiling the kettle for any tea lovers out there) take a minute, feel your feet, do a body scan, do down dog, tree pose... a new pose each cup? Essentially, take that 1 min 30 sec to be present for yourself. Take a deep breath and sigh it out, release that tension.
5. Brushing your teeth
The ideal time to roll a spikey ball on your feet.
This releases the ligaments the whole way up your body & activating your feet will promote better posture and balance throughout your whole body
6. Want to go really mad? Do a teacher training
Our teacher training is more than just a qualification, it is a deep personal journey one that you hopefully will carry into other aspects of your life. Building more awareness of your body and your own needs.
Yoga is not about the poses, it is about the journey and making it fit into YOUR life whatever that looks like for YOU
Namaste,
Laura