When a yogi can’t find the space they need, they are saying, I need room to grow.

According to a 2021 study by ASSOCHAM, 53% of companies have introduced yoga classes in the workplace to improve productivity, mental clarity, memory, combat fatigue, stress, reduce sick leave, and increase job satisfaction.

However, the most common challenges to regular yoga practice are:

1. Lack of time: hectic work schedule and a desire to spend more time with your family.
2. Lack of motivation: It is difficult to stay motivated when facing high priorities, tiredness, and overwhelm.
3. Lack of space to practice yoga: Some professionals live in houses or apartments where there is not enough space to practice yoga.
4. Lack of a yoga studio: Some professionals live in places where there are no yoga studios or the yoga studio is located far away.
5. Physical fitness: Not all professionals are physically fit, and some assume that yoga requires significant strength and flexibility, leading to embarrassment.

All of the above can significantly affect a person’s choice to include yoga in their daily life.

The purpose of this article is to provide recommendations on how to overcome these obstacles. The article also provides recommendations on how to introduce yoga into your life.

Problem 1. No time.

We understand that time is priceless, that time is the only non-renewable resource, and that combining a complex career, family responsibilities and social obligations leaves very little opportunity for additional activities, such as yoga.

Let’s consider how you can integrate yoga into a busy work schedule.

1. Practice for 10-15 minutes a day. Do not underestimate short-term classes. If you apply the Pareto rule to yoga classes, then 10-15 minutes a day (depending on the level of training and health) are the same 20% that give 80% of the result. Experiment with doing simple stretches at your desk, adding neck rolls, wrist rotations, and shrugs to see the difference. And if you do breathing exercises during a five-minute break, it can significantly improve your concentration and relieve stress.
2. Practice early in the morning and late at night. If finding time for yoga is challenging, consider practicing early in the morning, right after waking up, or late at night, just before bed. Practicing in the morning can energize you for the whole day, and in the evening – prepare your body for high-quality healthy sleep.
3. Time management. Treat yoga as a very important practice. Schedule the session as an important meeting or obligation. You can mark it in your calendar. This will help you set a high priority for the session. And there is nothing better than taking time to do something useful for your health.
4. Multitasking (with a caveat). We also suggest considering options such as meditating on the way to work (if you have a driver) and light stretching during phone calls. But, prioritize safety, especially during physical exercise.
   Regularity. Remember that 10 minutes a day for a week is better than 1 hour once a week. Such activities can bring huge benefits. But, don’t be upset if you can’t do it once.

Problem 2. No motivation.

Motivation fluctuates. Life presents unexpected challenges. Stress levels ebb and flow. And sometimes, the allure of rest simply overpowers the desire to practice.

In this section, we will look at how to develop a strategy that will help you stay on track despite problems with motivation.

1. Set realistic goals. Focus on regularity of practice, not intensity. For example, practice 10 minutes a day immediately after waking up. Later, you can increase the intensity when you are ready.
2. Find a partner. Practice with a friend, sign up for an online class, or join an online community. Sharing your goals and progress with like-minded people can boost your motivation and provide them with valuable support at the same time.
3. Focus on the benefits of yoga. Reflect on the positive impacts of yoga on your physical and mental well-being. How do you feel after a session? Increased energy? Reduced stress? Enhanced awareness? Focusing on these benefits can reignite your motivation.
4. Create a supportive environment. Designate a special place in your home for yoga. Even if it’s a small corner, this will help you prepare for the practice mentally and make it easier to get started.
5. Reward yourself. Celebrate milestones and record your progress. Treat yourself to something special when you reach a goal. Book a massage, buy a new yoga outfit, or simply enjoy a cup of delicious aromatic tea.

These elements will help you keep your motivation high, enjoying your yoga practice and feel good.

Problem 3: Lack of space.

Lack of space can be a serious obstacle to practicing yoga at home. Whether you live in a small apartment, a studio, or simply don’t have enough floor space, finding a place to practice yoga that allows you to move freely can be a challenge.

Let’s look at solutions that can overcome this obstacle, no matter where you are.

1. Get creative with your space. Utilize small areas like hallways, balconies, or corners of rooms.
2. Explore different yoga styles. There are solutions you might not even think of. For example, yoga on a chair or yoga on a wall. And practice yoga anywhere.
3. Practice yoga outside. If the weather permits, you can practice yoga in a park or even in the yard of the house where you live. Let the fresh air inspire you to new achievements.

Conclusion

Incorporating yoga into your busy schedule can greatly improve your well-being. By reducing stress and increasing focus, enhancing mental and physical resilience, yoga will allow you to overcome challenges and increase productivity with ease and grace.
Ready to get started? Incorporate 10 minutes of asanas (yoga poses) and breathing. And remember, success lies in consistency.

Track your progress and enjoy how yoga changes your life!

Anton Sudnik

CEO & Founder of YogaPro