Rooted in Routine: Keeping Your Practice Through the Summer
It’s that time of year — warmer weather, glorious sunshine and…let's be honest—a little disruption to our routines! It can be easy for our yoga practice to slip to the bottom of the priority list. If you've found yourself saying “I’ll get back to it next week” or “Life’s getting too busy for yoga”, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Staying committed to your yoga practice during the warmer months doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be your anchor through the (fun) chaos.
Why stay consistent? We all know consistency is key…and it’s no different on your mat! There are a slew of sustained physical benefits like:
-recovery from summer activities
-improved mobility and flexibility
-increased lung capacity and breath awareness
-muscular strength and endurance
-heightened stress management
However, there’s so much more to glean from a consistent practice. And let’s be clear: this is not about perfection, rigidity or the act of always “doing.” It’s about making yoga a way of being. Yoga is dedicated time amidst the hustle— the sports practices, the camping trips, the social obligations, the house chores— to get perspective, to notice how you speak to yourself, to build resilience to stress and to be in your body. It transcends the seasons, your daily moods and motivation levels, and even your preferences. Yoga isn’t dependent on conditions being perfect—it’s about showing up despite the conditions. Even on the busy days. Especially on the busy days!
Quick tips for building consistency:
Schedule it. Treat your practice like any other fun plans. Put it in your calendar at the beginning of the week and view it as a special, important date with yourself. (No standing yourself up!)
Be (mentally) flexible. Summer brings spontaneity— instead of letting that deter you, use it as an opportunity to practice being an adaptable, flexible yogi! Can’t get into your usual 60 minute class? Try a 45 minute Express class. Got after work plans? Book that 6am class and get your day off to an amazing start. Weekend away with friends and fam? Hop online and take a virtual class!
Make it fun. Yoga doesn’t have to be so serious! Invite a friend to join you. Kick off a sunset beach date with a hot yoga class. Or stack a practice on top of a sunny walk, bike ride or beach swim.
We promise you— the benefits are SO worth the effort and planning! Here for you through all the seasons, yogis.
Happy Summering!
