How to Fit Yoga into Your Busy Schedule: Tips for Making Time for Your Practice
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to put self-care on the back burner. Between work, family obligations, and social commitments, many men find it hard to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. If you're someone who struggles to make time for fitness, yoga might be just what you need.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been around for thousands of years. It combines physical, mental, and spiritual practices to help you achieve a state of relaxation and well-being. Studies have shown that practicing yoga can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, increase flexibility and strength, and even improve overall cardiovascular health.
But, the question remains, how can you fit yoga into your already busy schedule? Here are some tips for making time for your practice.
Do it first thing: Want to ensure you make time for your yoga practice? Do it first thing in the morning. Many successful people swear by their morning routine, and for good reason. By doing something for yourself before checking your email or starting your workday, you set the tone for the rest of your day. Plus, you're less likely to skip your practice when you do it first thing.
Add it to your calendar like you would a business meeting: You wouldn't miss a meeting with a client, so why should you miss your yoga practice? Schedule your yoga like you would any other meeting or appointment. Put it in your calendar and be sure to stick to it. If something comes up and you have to reschedule, be sure to find another time to make it up.
Join a community: Sometimes, finding motivation to practice yoga alone can be tough. That's why joining a community of like-minded individuals can be a great way to stay accountable and motivated. Why not try The Brotherhood? Being surrounded by others who also prioritise their yoga practice can help you stay committed and inspired.
Have an accountability partner: If you can't find a community to practice with, try finding an accountability partner. This person can be a friend, family member, or colleague who also prioritises their fitness routine. Check in with each other regularly and hold each other accountable. Knowing that someone is counting on you can help you stay committed to your practice.
Set realistic expectations: It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself when starting a new fitness routine. Don't expect to be able to do a headstand on your first try (or probably more realistically touch your toes). Go at your own pace, listen to your body and work your way up. Additionally, be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically commit to your practice. Starting with just 10 or 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
Don't be too hard on yourself: Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, forgive yourself when you miss a practice. Life happens, and sometimes things get in the way of our best intentions. Don't beat yourself up about missing a yoga session - that is anti-yoga if there was such a thing! Instead, find another time to make it up and get back on track.
Incorporating yoga into your busy schedule can seem daunting, but with the right mindset and tactics, it’s possible. Find a time that works for you, join a community or enlist an accountability partner to help you stay on track, set realistic expectations, and forgive yourself when you miss a practice. Ultimately, making time for your yoga practice is a step towards taking care of yourself, and that’s something we can all benefit from. So, take that first step and book a class today!