Finding Time for Your Yoga Practice

Tips for Building a Consistent Yoga Practice

One of the most common challenges I hear as a yoga teacher is, “I just don’t have time to practice consistently!” Life is busy—between work, family, social commitments, and the never-ending to-do list, it can feel impossible to carve out space for yourself. But here’s the thing: you don’t need hours to build a consistent yoga practice. You just need a little intention and some time management.

Consistency isn’t about practicing for hours every day; it’s about showing up regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Let’s talk about why managing your time is so important for your yoga journey and how to make it work in your life.

Why Time Management Matters in Yoga

Yoga is a journey, and like any journey, it requires steady steps to see progress. A consistent practice:

• Builds strength and flexibility over time

• Helps calm the mind and reduce stress

• Reinforces the habit of prioritizing self-care

But without time management, it’s easy for your practice to fall to the bottom of your priorities. The good news? A little planning goes a long way in making yoga fit seamlessly into your schedule.

Tips for Building a Consistent Practice

1. Start Small

One of the biggest myths is that you need to practice for an hour to “count.” Not true! A short, focused session—say 10–20 minutes—can be incredibly effective. Even a mini-practice is better than skipping it altogether. Begin with three poses and a few deep breaths.

2. Create a Realistic Schedule

Look at your week and decide when you can realistically fit yoga in. Morning person? Start your day with a gentle flow. Night owl? Try a calming evening practice. The key is to be realistic—don’t overcommit or you’ll feel discouraged. You can block it off in your calendar like any other appointment.

3. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection

Life happens, and some days you’ll have more time than others. That’s okay! The goal is to keep showing up, even if your practice looks different each day. On busy days, a quick single Sun Salutation can keep the habit alive.

4. Set Up a Dedicated Space

Having a designated yoga space, even a small corner of your room, can make it easier to stick to your practice. When your mat is already rolled out and ready to go, there’s less resistance to starting. Leave your mat in a visible spot as a gentle reminder to practice.

5. Use Reminders

Sometimes we just forget! Set alarms or reminders on your phone to gently nudge you to the mat. You can also buddy up with a friend or join a class for added accountability.

6. Make It Fun and Rewarding

Your practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Mix it up with different styles, poses, or playlists to keep things fresh. Celebrate your progress—whether it’s touching your toes for the first time or simply showing up consistently.

7. Let Go of All-or-Nothing Thinking

Some days you’ll have a full practice, and other days you’ll just roll around on your mat. Both are valid. Yoga is about progress, not perfection, and every little bit counts. If you only have 2 minutes, take a deep breath, move through a Cat-Cow stretch, and call it a day.

Final Thoughts

Time management isn’t about cramming more into your day—it’s about making space for what matters. Yoga doesn’t demand perfection or hours of your time. It asks only that you show up, however you can, with curiosity and kindness toward yourself.

So start small, keep it simple, and celebrate every step of the journey. With a little planning and a lot of patience, you’ll build a consistent practice that feels like a natural part of your life—and trust me, your mind and body will thank you for it.

See you on the mat!

Love, 

Maria