Integrating yoga and breathwork practice into your life can work wonders for your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellness. The problem is, it can be extremely challenging to commit to regular practice when you live with a busy schedule. Still, it’s always possible!
Here are a few ways you can incorporate wellness into your routine in a pinch.
Add It to Your Bedtime Routine
Although sun salutations can be incredibly invigorating first thing in the morning, yoga isn’t solely reserved for the a.m. You can even practice directly from your bed! Most people have a regular bedtime routine anyway. Why not wind down a little earlier and squeeze in some tranquility?
Try some lying poses to relax your mind and body, or engage in some mindful breathwork before you close your eyes for the night. Head to bed a few minutes early, and then enjoy the deepest sleep of your life.
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Try Chair Yoga
Stuck at your desk all day long? Feeling restless? We get it, and we have the solution: chair yoga. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a yoga practice from your chair! There’s no need to leave your office, and it can give you a much-needed refresh to tackle the rest of your day.
While you’re stretching it out, stay connected to your breath by slowing your breathing, counting beats, or simply noticing how it feels. Take as little or as much time as you have to gain some composure and increase blood flow. It’s a great way to add some movement to your day-to-day work.
Practice During Your Commute
Whether you take public transit or drive yourself to work, commutes can be great opportunities to engage in some breathwork. Do be careful if you practice while driving, as it’s easy to fall into a deeply relaxed state—but if you’re stuck in traffic, try turning your attention to your breath. This is the perfect chance to practice some alternate nostril breathing, especially if traffic stresses you out. Just be sure to stay alert while you do so!
On the other hand, swap out your social media feeds for some meditative breathwork as you ride the bus, train or subway. Play a guided audio meditation through your headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy the “me time.”
Related Article: This Seven-Minute Morning Yoga Ritual Will Help Relieve Stress
Join a Class
Sometimes, all it takes to implement a new activity into your busy schedule is accountability. Unfortunately, it’s easy to put your own wellness on the back burner, because there’s always something else you need to do.
The truth is, your health is as much of a priority as anything else. Joining a yoga or breathwork class can help you stay accountable to yourself and those around you. Just make sure it’s at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
Check out any studios or groups near your home, workplace, or another spot you’re frequently near. This commitment might be precisely what you need!
Share It With Your Loved Ones
When you have a busy schedule, it’s hard to balance your social life with other activities. Instead of having to choose between seeing your loved ones and dedicating time to your wellness, why not blend the two together?
Find a buddy to practice yoga with via Zoom, in a park or during a guided class. Chances are, they could benefit from the wellness break too! Whether it’s your partner, your child or a close friend, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share some quality time.
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Incorporate It Into Your Lunch Break
If breaks are all about briefly unwinding, then what better way is there to spend them than by practicing some yoga or breathwork? Decompressing with these wellness activities is an incredible way to gain some mid-day composure. On top of relaxation, mindfulness exercises can invigorate and stimulate your brain to keep you pushing through all day long. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour, there’s no period too brief to find some stillness.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that it’s challenging to incorporate wellness exercises into a busy schedule. However, your mental wellbeing is as much a priority as any. Regardless of whether you have a few minutes or an extra hour to spare, it’s always possible to engage in some tranquil yoga and breathwork. Taking this time for yourself will pay off more than you know!