By Julia Sadler
September can feel overwhelming with the start of a new school year, returning to work and re-establishing routines after summer. It can be an emotional time – first days at school, moving to college, new jobs or new countries - marking new stages of life for ourselves and those close to us.
Our practice helps us to face these challenges with patience and resilience. So how do we re-establish it when routines have changed, and we’re juggling a new set of demands?
In this article, I will share some tips for establishing wellbeing practices at the start of a new school year, which are based upon the yama(s) and niyama(s) in the Yoga Sutras!:
Protect your time:
Protect your time by setting boundaries and asking others for support. This may be establishing that you will finish work on time, share childcare responsibilities, or strive to become more aware of when you’re likely to fall into scrolling through social media.
Set realistic expectations:
Set a realistic expectation of how frequently you can practice yoga. If habits have slipped over the summer, you can build back up gradually. Maybe start by aiming for 2-4 times per week, rather than daily. Setting achievable goals can help you to stay motivated and committed.
Visualise your personal practice:
Visualise what your practice will consist of: classes, meditation, journalling, walking…
Remember that your practice doesn’t have to be too rigid - life can be especially unpredictable at this time of year and needs can change from day to day!
I love the flexibility of on-demand classes on the Mindful Life app, as they allow me to pick the class that I need that also fits in the amount of time that I have available – whether it’s a 1 hour flow class or a 10 minute meditation!
Finding our way back into a regular practice may be easier if we select a class that is well-known to us, as this allows the body and mind to find comfort in familiarity and repetition. A new challenge can also be motivating- but when the mind is busy with multiple demands, allowing muscle memory to lead can often feel more accessible.
Set yourself up for success!:
Set yourself up to succeed! Have your mat or meditation cushion on hand, clear a space for your home practice, or prepare your bag the night before a class. Leave your journal and a favourite pen in an accessible place.
When we’re focused on multiple demands and time is tight, removing any
small friction points ahead of time sets a clear intention and makes it easier
to build consistency.
Release expectations and embrace the "here and now:"
Let go of any attachment to how your practice ‘should’ look. Maybe travelling or exercising differently has affected the accessibility of a pose, or the mind is slower to settle in savasana or meditation. Instead of frustration, observe how you feel- adjusting to find what is right in this moment.
Remember that our bodies and minds are constantly changing, but consistency will bring greater ease.
Reconnect with community:
Reconnect with community, online or in person. Finding like-minded people who support the path that you are on is both inspiring and reassuring -especially if those immediately around us do not have the same priorities, it can be easy for us to feel doubtful and for our commitment to waver.
Making plans with others can also increase accountability,
enjoyability and the likelihood that we will see our goals through!
Listen to your body:
Listen to your body – and don’t be too hard on yourself. This time of year can be tiring as our bodies and minds adjust, so consider how you can adapt your practice.
When energy levels feel low and a dynamic asana class feels out of reach, maybe try a restorative yin class, meditation or a journaling practice. Even an inspiring
podcast or book can help to establish a mindset of wellbeing and growth.
Practice gratitude:
Express gratitude towards yourself for committing to your practice. Progress is all about small right steps and however you make time for yourself, try to show thanks and appreciation.
For me, there is one thing that still holds true even after decades of practice–
I always feel better after making time to practice yoga and remembering
that I am exactly where I need to be.
About Julia:
Hi, I’m Julia. I’m originally from Leeds, England, but I have been based in Dubai for the last 12 years, where I live with my husband, two sons aged 7 and 4, and 2 small dogs. I completed my 200 hour YTT in 2023 with the MLPC, and I have taken part in various programs and retreats over the past 2 years. I work as a fashion website manager and am passionate about sharing my love of yoga with others.
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