I can’t begin to count the number of times a student has told me that they don’t have time for a daily yoga practice. They tend to start with “I really can’t find an extra hour in my day.” Then they keep telling me that they can’t remember enough poses to practice on their own. So they come to class once a week and consider it sufficient.
Practicing yoga once a week is wonderful, but a daily practice is essential if you really want to see the benefits of your yoga practice.
Let’s start with the fallacy that you have to do an hour of yoga for it to count. Doing as little as five to ten minutes of yoga every day will add up to real long-term benefits. Everyone’s life is busy. But we all have to set priorities. Why not get up ten minutes early and do some yoga poses while you make your coffee? This will set the tone for your day and awaken your mind and body.
You really don’t have to know all the yoga poses you’ve practiced in class to start your own yoga practice at home. Start with a pose. Pay close attention to that pose the next time you see it in class. Then take it home and practice it every day. Next week, add another pose. After just a few months, you will know enough poses to have a complete personal practice. It really is that simple!
Now that I’ve eliminated the top two excuses for not having a daily yoga practice, let’s talk about a few others I’ve heard. “I don’t have time to put on my yoga clothes just to practice for a few minutes.” So, don’t bother with your yoga clothes. Practice in your pajamas in the morning. Practice in your underwear when changing clothes after work. Practice in your comfortable clothes before going to bed.
Another excuse is that the only time they have free moments is at work. Practice yoga in your desk chair! Here are a series of very gentle neck stretches that can be done anywhere you can sit: at your desk, at the breakfast table, in the car (not while driving, please!), Waiting for the bus, You got the idea!
Begin by sitting comfortably in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting gently on your lap.
Inhale and lift your head up – feel your ears move further away from your shoulders. As you exhale, allow your head to move forward, chin to chest. Rest in this pose for 5-15 breaths. Relax your shoulders, keep your back as straight as possible, and keep your mouth soft. Inhale as you return your head to your chin parallel to the floor position. Exhale gently.
Inhale and lift your head back up. As you exhale, turn your head to look over your right shoulder. Keep your chin parallel to the floor and keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Rest in this pose for 5-15 breaths. Inhale as you return your head to the forward-facing position. Repeat the sequence on the left side.
Inhale and lift your head back up. As you exhale, lower your right ear toward your right shoulder. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed, don’t force this exercise! Be careful not to twist your neck, but keep your face fully forward. Rest in this pose for 5-15 breaths. Inhale as you return your head to your chin parallel to the floor position. Repeat the sequence on the left side.
Sounds simple, it really is! So stop making excuses and practice yoga. Your mind and body will thank you.
