“Hi! How are you?” “I am so busy.” That is how the most conversations nowadays go. If you are not busy, you are not doing well. Right? So we all need to take a step back. Or more than one. Integrating yoga into your daily life can help you with this. I know, we don’t have all the same interests and passions. Even if you don’t have anything with yoga, some small elements can help you on a daily basis to improve your health. All you need is an open mindset, a yoga mat and a few minutes per day.
When you start a new habit, it is not about all or nothing. Starting with yoga is not about the perfect pose or the most beautiful yoga mat. It is all about how you feel. You can just integrate yoga as a tool for daily wellbeing. And those five or ten minutes per day can have a big impact on your health. Here are a few examples why it’s good for you to integrate yoga into your life.
Healthy benefits
- One of the reasons for rolling out your mat is your mental health. By slowing down your breath you activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest mode), which lowers your cortisol (stress) levels.
- Yoga also improves your flexibility, core strength and your balance. This will make all your daily activities easier.
- Yoga boosts the blood flow, so you can focus better. You don’t need coffee for this.
- The combination of holding poses with controlled breathing is good for your heart. It lowers the ‘bad’ cholesterol.
So what can you do to make yoga part of your busy life? Here are some realistic ways to make yoga a habit:
Ways to integrate yoga into your life
- Try Habit stacking.
Combine yoga to an existing routine. Example: Put a yoga mat next to your bed before you sleep. So first thing you do after waking up, three rounds of sun salutations. Or stand on one feet when you brush your teeth for two or three minutes.
- Plan micro sessions.
Do those three round of sun salutations every day or follow a 10 minute YouTube yoga video. It doesn’t have to cost one hour per day.
- Make a yoga space at home.
Keep a yoga mat in a specific corner in your house. If you see the mat, it triggers you to take action.
- Put a mat next to your desk.
If you work from home, keep a yoga mat next to your desk. Take small breaks between and step on the mat. You can choose to do one pose for a few minutes (like child’s pose, tree pose or a walking downward facing dog).
- Make time for online lessons.
If it takes too much time to go to a yoga class, choose for an online lesson. Some gyms offer online classes and on YouTube you can find many classes depending on what you like.
- Find a yoga buddy.
Go to a class with a friend, as going together makes it easier for you to go.
Small steps, big changes
Yoga is good for everyone. You don’t have to change your life to become a ‘yogi’. It takes a lot of effort and time to become really good at yoga. It is more than a lifestyle. But that’s something nobody expects from you. If you just make time for some elements of yoga, it is already beneficial for your body and your mind. All you have to do is just become aware of your breath and stretch for a few minutes on a daily basis.
Which small steps do you take to make yoga part of your daily life? Share it with me in the comments.
Jane Regina Sauer 