When we think of yoga, we often picture a perfect scenario where one is deep in thought, while holding a perfect back bend. Lets not forget the tranquil music, and possibly a scenic background, like the ocean or a beautiful garden.
Now Ill explain what a typical yoga session looks like for me.
After finishing a page full of notes, I realize my back is aching from hunching over my desk so much. I decide I could really go for a yoga session. I'm lucky that Red is still taking a nap, so I decide to take advantage of the moment. I am wearing nothing but a t shirt and underwear and decided it will do. I open the patio door for some fresh air before I begin. I can here music and people talking from all over the complex where I live. I pull out my mat, and start my video. Two minutes in Red wakes up and I run to grab him and bring him into the living room with me. The cat is laying in the middle of my mat and I continue my workout working around him. Eventually he starts playing with my toes and grabbing at my feet. I smile and press forward. All of a sudden I feel something hit the back of my leg. Red is pushing his baby walker right into me. I reroute him to go between my legs, as they are spread. All is peaceful for a moment besides Red's happy cries and the noise outside. I move into half moon pose and I hear clawing at the patio door. The cat has moved from my mat and decided he wants to go outside. I pause, and let him out so he can stare at the birds flying by. I retreat back to my mat and continue. Minutes later Red grabs at my feet and decides that I have ignored him enough and that he is hungry. This is what a fifteen minute yoga session looks like for me.
I used to plan my yoga sessions. I would wait until Red went to bed, then I would put on my work out clothes, clean my mat, put on tranquil music, and begin. What ended up happening was fewer yoga sessions, and myself becoming stressed because of lack of exercise and guilt of not getting said exercise.
To make it worse the cycle would repeat. I eventually thought out there had to be a way to get the workout I wanted and needed.
Here's what I figured out.
1) Ten minutes of exercise is better than none.
A lot of my dvd's I use when I practice yoga (this applies to whatever form of workout you prefer) have many mini sessions on them. Whether I can do one or three, I always feel better in the end.
2) If you feel like moving, move!
When I want to exercise the most is after I cook a meal, after finishing some school work, or maybe had a stressful phone call. There are so many scenarios like this, and I realized that I wanted to move after, shake it off, and feel a bit refreshed. Just listening to my body, rather than planing really help make even the mini work out sessions go even further.
3) No need to always need to look the part
I realized that as much as I love my work out attire it isn't necessary to get the job done, especially if im home. It can be a time waster, and a hassle. If you know your time is short, take advantage of the moment and try not worry about the details.
4) Exercises shouldn't be a task, make it an enjoyment
I used to get upset when I couldn't completely feel my "inner peace." I realized that when I didn't have expectations, I enjoyed myself so much more.
Being a mother, career women, wife, or all of the above is hard enough. But somethings we just need to be our best selves and exercise is one of them. I hope these tips help you make the most of your time. I choose yoga, and even if I cant have the most professional sessions, in the end I get what I need. A good workout and a smile.
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