Think You Don't Have Time for Yoga? Here’s How to Fit It Into Your Workday

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Dear wonderful human, how are you today?

Welcome to another day in your incredible body on planet Earth. 🌍

How are you doing? We've had an action-packed few weeks with filming, family visiting, prepping for Wolf Cub No. 2, managing Ailo’s schedule (which now includes swimming lessons!), and Flo competing in the World BJJ Championships 🥇—time has just whizzed by! When things get busy in life, it’s all too easy to let our healthy habits and self-care routines slip, which is ironic since it’s usually when we need them the most!

How do you maintain a daily practice and take care of your body when you have a busy schedule?

We get so many questions in our live monthly video call catch-ups from yogis asking about balancing yoga practice with the demands of long hours, shift work, or family responsibilities. Sometimes, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day!

Finding time for a full yoga session can be tough, especially on days when you're overloaded or exhausted. But even a brief dose of movement and breathing can can ease muscle stiffness, reduce back pain, and boost your energy, focus and sleep! On days when you have time, a longer, juicy complete practice can be great medicine for your bodymind. But more than anything, consistency is key. Better to do some small things every day than just one longer session in a week. That’s why we’ve put together some quick and handy videos that can fit into your busy schedule as well as created a new playlist especially! Whether you’ve only got 15 minutes for desk yoga at lunch or a quick session before heading to bed, we’ve got you covered.

First things first…are you sitting too much?

Let’s face it: many of us are spending more time sitting than ever before—at our desks, in cars, or on the couch. On average, adults sit for about 13 hours a day, (Yes, we said 13! 😮 ) and that doesn’t even include sleep! The extent of sedentary behavior, and therefore inactivity, is pretty alarming. Prolonged sitting is the new smoking (but chairs don’t come with a health warning).

We all know how sitting at a desk for hours, being stuck in a car all day, or standing non-stop can put a lot of stress on your body. After a long morning at the computer, you might find yourself feeling bent over and stiff. It's easy to feel disconnected from our bodies and the present moment when we sit for long periods. Common complaints like neck stiffness, back pain, shoulder tension, and even wrist and forearm discomfort are all too familiar. That’s why it’s super important to add in some movement and breaks to shake things up and keep our bodies and minds happy! Incorporating yoga into your routine can offer significant physical benefits, such as increasing strength and flexibility, which help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Benefits of a Daily Yoga Practice

Incorporating a daily yoga practice into your busy schedule can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By committing to a regular practice, you can experience a range of benefits that can transform your workday and beyond. Here are just a few of the advantages of making time for yoga:

• Improved physical health: Regular yoga practice can help to improve your physical health by increasing flexibility, strength, and balance. This can lead to better overall health and a reduced risk of injury.

• Enhanced mental focus: Yoga has been shown to improve mental focus and concentration, making it easier to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

• Stress reduction: Yoga is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. By incorporating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation into your daily routine, you can help to calm your mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

• Increased mental clarity: Yoga can help to improve mental clarity and reduce mental fogginess, making it easier to make decisions and stay focused on your goals.

• Inner peace: Regular yoga practice can help to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm, leading to a greater sense of overall well-being.

By incorporating a daily yoga practice into your busy schedule, you can experience these benefits and more. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, enhance your mental focus, or simply reduce stress and anxiety, yoga can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals.

Overcoming Common Excuses for Not Practicing Yoga

Are you struggling to make time for yoga in your busy schedule? Do you find yourself making excuses for not practicing? You’re not alone. Here are some common excuses for not practicing yoga, along with some tips for overcoming them:

• I don’t have time: One of the most common excuses for not practicing yoga is a lack of time. However, even a short 10-15 minute practice can be beneficial. Try incorporating yoga into your daily routine, such as first thing in the morning or during your lunch break.

• I’m not flexible: Many people believe that they need to be flexible to practice the poses in yoga asana. However, yoga is for every body, regardless of mobility level. Try modifying poses or using props to make them more accessible.

• I’m too busy: While it’s true that many of us lead busy lives, yoga can actually help to increase productivity and reduce stress. Try incorporating yoga into your daily routine, such as first thing in the morning or before bed.

• I don’t know where to start: If you’re new to yoga, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Try following along with beginner online tutorials. You can start with simple poses and gradually build up to a more complex practice.

• I’m not good at it: Many people feel self-conscious about their yoga practice, especially if they’re new to it. However, yoga is not about being “good” at it - it’s about showing up and being present. Try to focus on your breath and the sensations in your body, rather than comparing yourself to others.

By overcoming these common excuses, you can make time for yoga in your busy schedule and start experiencing the many benefits that it has to offer.

Resources for you to start using today!