If you have a jam-packed work schedule and dozens of tasks in between, then you may not have the time to squeeze in a full-length yoga practice. Luckily, it’s still possible to do yoga on a hectic day. Here’s how to practice yoga if you’re really busy.
1. Practice mindful breathing for a few minutes.
First things first—yoga is not just asana. Meditation and pranayama are also essential to one’s yoga practice. If you don’t have time to show up on your mat, try a 5-minute breathing exercise instead.
Find a comfortable seat on a cushion or a chair. Root down through the sitting bones, and lengthen across the spine.
Close your eyes. Become aware of your breath, observing the rhythm of your inhalations and exhalations.
Continue observing the breath for 3 to 5 minutes. Then when you’re ready to continue on with your day, open your eyes.
2. Enroll in an online class.
There are many online platforms that offer yoga classes that you can do on your own time. Take YogaDownload.com, for instance—it offers a variety of classes across different levels and styles of yoga.
You can stream or download classes for your convenience. With YogaDownload.com, you can even sign up for a Beginner’s Yoga program or even an Arm Balance workshop. No need to beat the traffic and try to catch a studio class—you can do all of these at home.
3. Try chair yoga.
If you work a desk job, then you can actually squeeze in a quick yoga practice in the middle of your work day. You don’t even need a yoga mat!
On your chair, do a couple of side bends and twists. You can do a variation of Downward Dog by placing your hands on the seat of your chair, walking your feet back behind your hips, and pressing your chest down between your arms.
Doing chair yoga can help you unwind your body, manage muscle aches and stiffness, and calm your nervous system.
4. Join a challenge.
The key to committing to your yoga practice is consistency. Join a program or a challenge to really help you stay on track.
YogaDownload.com has a 14-Day Challenge for Busy People, which consists of short, brief practice sessions that are all 30 minutes or less.
Each class is straightforward, methodical, and effective—this way, you’ll reap the full benefits of yoga each day without putting a dent on your busy schedule.
