“No More Excuses” – an article by the Queen of Excuses

I’m a very convincing person! It’s possible I should have pursued a career in law. I can talk anyone into or out of anything, including myself! So I get it! Excuses, when it comes to yoga or anything dealing with our health, come so easily, don’t they? But I wanted to share with you a handful of things that I’ve found to keep me on track with that journey. Because, you see, yoga eventually became so important in my life that I didn’t want it to be just another thing I tried and gave up on. So here are some things I still do to stay on track.
 

1. First of all, early morning classes are the way to go if you have a family or a busy lifestyle! If you wait until the evening to take a yoga class, your chances of excuses blocking your way increase significantly! “I’m tired.” “I have so much else to do around the house.” “The kids need me.” “I read that a glass of wine equals a workout.” So my number 1 recommendation to staying on track is to get up early and get it done!  But there’s more to this! I have a genius trick to get your butt outta bed that early in the morning! Wear your yoga clothes to bed! Yoga clothes are as comfy as PJs right? So why not wear them to bed? Knowing that you don’t have to change your clothes somehow makes it a bit easier to leave your warm bed. If you’re the type to hit the snooze then it also allows you to get away with that because being dressed already saves you time. 
2. If you absolutely can’t make it to an early class, and evening classes are your only option, then here are some tips for you. You’ll need to prepare ahead of time. You’ll want to have an afternoon snack to hold you over until you can eat dinner AFTER class. Next thing of importance is that you’ll need a plan for dinner. I like to cook the night before so we can just microwave leftovers. Or you can always throw something into a crockpot so dinner is ready when you get home. You don’t have to eat fast food when you’re short on time, and at the very least you can always serve up breakfast for dinner!
3. Use the buddy system! Telling a friend you’ll meet them for class makes you less likely to cancel. Having a friend to go to yoga with also gives you a built in accountability partner!
4. Make it a priority. Put the classes you like on your calendar and schedule them as part of your day. If your friends and family know how important it is for you to get to class they will be willing to work around that schedule. Most things can be scheduled around it if you treat it as a “meeting”. Maybe you even word it that way when scheduling other events on your calendar, rather than saying “I have yoga, but I guess I could skip it.” (And, I feel like I should clarify, that I’m not saying you tell your boss you have a “meeting” and leave work to go to yoga!)
5. If all else fails and you just can’t make it to a class, then practice at home! If you have the time, take an online class. If you’re short on time do some Sun A’s and Sun B’s.

See? There’s always options! Don’t get in the way of your own progress! My new online yoga studio can help keep you on track or get your yoga journey started. I want you to be successful in your practice so I am offering up any support you need: writing down your goals, holding you accountable, checking in with your progress, or just answering your questions. I will be available as much as you need!