How to Ease Back Into Yoga After a Break

Hopefully, if anything, a hiatus from life-on-the-go has afforded you more gratitude for the simple things - those moments spent with family, and a deep realisation of contentment with all you already have. I know this has certainly been the case for me.

Moving beyond isolation, you may be wondering how to get back in to a regular yoga routine if your practice has lessened, or dropped off completely, over the past months. Alternatively, you may have kept up with your regular practice and are looking to transition from the online space to physical classes. However you are choosing to return to yoga, you are more than half way there for even considering to honour the call. Now, to keep going!

Here are my top tips for easing back into yoga after taking a break.

1. Set up new routines.

Allow your gratitude, and abundance for all you have, to funnel into energy for yourself and setting up new routines.

Start small, and carve out 20 minutes a day for your practice (sadhana). I like the mornings best - I wake up and stretch my body in bed, grateful for waking up to a brand new day. I make a special routine in the bathroom using essential oils to splash my face, then put on a face oil with essential oils.

Then, I go to my special space and light a candle or incense, read a quote or just contemplate the moment. This is followed by a short yoga stretch of 20-40 minutes depending on time, and finishing with a 20-30 minute meditation session.

This routine really ignites my day! Get creative and make your own according to what lights you up.

2. Create a home sanctuary.

Spend time and thought creating a home sanctuary filled with rituals and practices that are joyful. You may like to make a home altar or a designated space to practice yoga and/or meditation.

Think about bringing in some objects that are symbolic for you. These could include crystals, plants, beautiful images, angel cards, or any discoveries from nature. Consider soft lighting that won't distract or overstimulate. Candles or dimmed lights can help set the mood. Make sure each element of your sacred space is filled with intention, from the scent you diffuse to the music you select to play.

3. Find support within.

Like most things, when we return to something we haven't done for some time, we may be uncertain about how to approach it. The way I flow through my day is largely a result of checking in to see how I'm feeling. Consider asking yourself, "What support do I need in this very moment?" Allow the thoughts and feelings that come to you to lead the way.

For example, after I ask this question as part of my morning routine, I may chose to incorporate an essential oil of rose for joy and for anti-aging benefits (it has a soothing and stress-relieving aroma, helping to not only rejuvenate your skin but your mood as well). Or I might be feeling into using frankincense - revered for its ability to beautify and rejuvenate skin when applied topically, and to promote cellular health and immunity. Or there's always my basic staple, lavender or patchouli essential oils.

4. Act as if you're already doing it.

As we are all unsure about exactly when classes in studios will resume, start to consider days when you may be available to make it to a class. Make a conscious decision to go at least once a week and prepare by already using this time to do an online class or listen to a meditation, or do your own.

If you've started an online routine, fantastic! Keep going with it! If you are yet to, there's no better time than the present. Perhaps you have been going outside for more walks or riding a bike - keep this up as well. If you haven't, well get up and go and do it! You are the master of your own destiny and unless you flick that switch inside of you, it will not happen.

Again, start small - don't go all the way out and overdo it.

This quote from Richelle E. Goodrich sums it up nicely:

"Small steps may appear unimpressive, but don't be deceived. They are the means by which perspectives are subtly altered, mountains are gradually scaled, and lives are drastically changed."

Routine is important as it gives us focus and purpose. While we are all wired differently, I have found over the years that having a routine purely for myself to start or finish the day, makes me feel complete. It's also important to honour where you're at, whether good or bad.

Difficult and challenging times come to both test and teach us. The slower pace we are all experiencing from this isolation period is sustainable and leads to deeper reflection.