How long do the benefits of your yoga practice last? Until you walk into that first business meeting of the day, during the commute to work just as you hit a traffic snag, the moment before your child has his/her first tantrum of the day, right before your teacher announces that you have a very big assignment due tomorrow? Let's face it -- life can be challenging. And habits can be hard to break. Sometimes the peace and bliss of that 20, 30, 60, or 90 minutes of yoga just doesn't get us through the day. My question is -- who says that you have to relegate your yoga to one specific time slot during the day?
I use my yoga constantly throughout my day -- it doesn't end when I step off the mat. Just before writing this I was engaging in some deep yogic breathing to calm my rising ire towards my slow as molasses computer. If you've lost that yoga feeling (can you hear the strains of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" playing in your head?) and you want to get it back, try incorporating one -- or all -- of these yoga breaks into your daily routine.
- Traffic jam kirtan/pranayama-- whose blood pressure doesn't rise when he/she gets stuck in traffic? How about you look at things like red lights and traffic snarls as opportunities for kirtan fun and/or pranayama practice? Try chanting OM or doing multiple rounds of humming breaths (regular inhale, make humming sound on exhale [mouth closed while making sound]). Feel the vibrations and notice what happens to the tension in your body. When you're frustrated there's nothing like making loud sounds to release pent up anger.
- The yoga alternative to the afternoon "power nap"-- the average person views a nap as a luxury. Often, however, it's a necessity. Recharging in the middle of the day can renew your energy and your focus. Rather than a power nap, why not try the detox/restorative/energizing alternative instead -- Viparitta Karani? Legs Up the Wall pose for 5-10 minutes can turn your attitude -- and your day -- around. Try covering your eyes with a scented pillow for an even deeper rest. If you're worried about falling asleep, set an alarm (preferably a non-jarring one -- try Tibetan bells).
- The mindfulness habit-buster-- it's so easy to breeze through your day on autopilot. Have you ever been in the middle of doing something only to realize that youreallyhave to go to the bathroom or that you haven't eaten in well over 4 hours? When you go unconscious like this, it's easy to fall into bad habits like overeating, negative self-talk, gossip, etc. Try setting an alarm to go off every hour on the hour so that you stop what you're doing. Once you stop ask yourself one simple question -- How am I feeling? Tune into your body, your emotions, your thoughts and notice what's going on. Instead of judging or trying to change what you notice, simply accept. Then ask yourself what you need -- what you really need. Does your body need a stretch, do you need a hug, do you need a drink of water, do you need to call a friend? Do one thing that will nourish your body, mind, and soul. Taking 5-10 minutes each hour to check-in can have a profound effect on your life.
- Take a breath break-- rather than take a coffee break or check your email for the millionth time, why not take a 3-minute breath break? Sit quietly and do a balancing breath -- inhale for 5 counts, hold the inhale for 5 counts, exhale for 5 counts, hold the exhale for 5 counts. Do this pattern 5 times. Notice the difference that oxygen makes.
Just because you've rolled up your mat for the day doesn't mean that you can't continue to practice. Recently I noticed that I was getting downright impatient in traffic and at red lights. Then I started practicing pranayama anytime I had to stop my car. I went from road rage to road engage. And when my computer gets cranky -- I let loose with a very loud Lion roar. Not only does it release any tension I've stored in my jaw but it makes me feel wonderful -- it even makes me laugh (which prevents me from throwing my computer out the window). We've all heard the inspiring expression -- take your yoga off the mat. Don't just say it -- do it!
Namaste!
How long do the benefits of your yoga practice last? Until you walk into that first business meeting of the day, during the commute to work just as you hit a traffic snag, the moment before your child has his/her first tantrum of the day, right before your teacher announces that you have a very big assignment due tomorrow? Let's face it -- life can be challenging. And habits can be hard to break. Sometimes the peace and bliss of that 20, 30, 60, or 90 minutes of yoga just doesn't get us through the day. My question is -- who says that you have to relegate your yoga to one specific time slot during the day?
I use my yoga constantly throughout my day -- it doesn't end when I step off the mat. Just before writing this I was engaging in some deep yogic breathing to calm my rising ire towards my slow as molasses computer. If you've lost that yoga feeling (can you hear the strains of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" playing in your head?) and you want to get it back, try incorporating one -- or all -- of these yoga breaks into your daily routine.
Just because you've rolled up your mat for the day doesn't mean that you can't continue to practice. Recently I noticed that I was getting downright impatient in traffic and at red lights. Then I started practicing pranayama anytime I had to stop my car. I went from road rage to road engage. And when my computer gets cranky -- I let loose with a very loud Lion roar. Not only does it release any tension I've stored in my jaw but it makes me feel wonderful -- it even makes me laugh (which prevents me from throwing my computer out the window). We've all heard the inspiring expression -- take your yoga off the mat. Don't just say it -- do it!
Namaste!