Yoga when I haven't got very much time

[sminkypinky]

I used to love going to yoga classes and doing long dvds at home all the way through ttc and up to the day I had my ds. Now my ds is 1yo and i'm back at work full time and I've done no yoga at all in the last 12mo. I'm up early in the morning but could probably spare 20 minutes before getting ready for work, we don't have a spare room with enough space for me to practice in at the moment so evenings are out. Does anyone have any recommendations of dvds or online practices I can do? (I'm hopeless unless I have someone I can watch and follow so books are out).

[bingisthebest]

Yoga with Adrianne on YouTube could be good for you to try.
I too am really struggling to fit practice in. Don't be too hard on yourself.

[sminkypinky]

I'll have a look, thanks bing

[gladyoucame]

Would second Yoga with Adriene she had some YouTube videos which are shorter some longer if you get more time/space. I used these to get back into yoga after a break and then joined a class and found I knew loads more than I thought. Her mantra is "find what feels good"

[CoteDAzur]

OP - What I found works in times when I have just 15-20 minutes is to stick to a routine that I know and am familiar with, so that I can really go deep into my practice without having to follow someone else on the screen. Something like:

• 1 minute sitting in lotus pose, just breathing with eyes closed
  
• Several sun salutations
  
• Warrior I > Warrior III > Moon pose on both sides
  
• Tree pose
  
• Forward bends, sitting down
  
• Shoulder stand or head stand for 1-2 minutes
  
• Savasana for 1-2 minutes.
  

Let us know how you get on and what works for you. I would be interested to hear your experience.

[Loraline]

Check out yogaglo.com. They have a huge number of classes but you can filter them by duration, style and areas to target of you want (eg 20 min shoulder openers or morning wake up sequence). It's 18 dollars a month but well worth it.

[twoandahalftimesthree]

I know what you mean. It's very difficult to find the time when you're working and have children. I always start by saying to myself to just do 7 minutes, you can always find 7 minutes and then I usually end up doing more, often about half an hour or so once I've actually started. Also get yourself an app on your phone so its quick and easy to get started (I tend to spend ages browsing videos to find one I am in the mood for and before I know it I've wasted 10 mins trying to make a decision!) ipromise app is just 7 mins long.
Or, find yourself a few go-to videos of different lengths I like the ones they have on doyogawithme, esp. Rachel Scott.

There are other ways of fitting yoga into your life, I do yin poses while I'm watching TV in the evenings, I do a head to knee bend while I'm drying my hair and a tree balance while I'm cleaning my teeth (not perfect I know but a lot better than not doing them) and I listen to guided meditations most nights as I'm falling asleep.

I also try to mostly wear clothes that I can do yoga in without getting changed, I wear a lot of jersey dresses for work which are still smart but I can just chuck my shoes off and I'm ready to go. That way I can even do a bit on the floor in my office when I need a break, there are even plenty of ways to do a few yoga stretches while you are sitting at your desk!

[user1471549733]

I always light an incense stick and for some reason yoga, then , just becomes my priority. It's just a brain trick really but it works for me. I associate incense with "me time." The washing up can wait.!! X

[Kalqkra]

Do you have any recommendations for favourite incense sticks? Preferably that I could order online.
I have just discovered yoga and have made a small home yoga space. Due to shift work I would never be able to commit to regular classes, but have so far managed 20-30 minutes each day at home and can feel tremendous benefits already after just three weeks.

[user1471549733]

I love the sticks made by Stamford. They have strange names like Dragons Fire and Vampire kiss but they smell amazing and leave your house smelling gorgeous long after they finish burning. Unlike a lot of other sticks which just smell of burning wood and make your eyes water. You can find them on EBay. X

[CoteDAzur]

"I always light an incense stick and for some reason yoga, then , just becomes my priority. It's just a brain trick really but it works for me. I associate incense with "me time." The washing up can wait.!! "

That is a great idea! Thank you

[Kalqkra]

Thanks very much :)

[Judi1144]

I had exactly the same problem. I use the app "Calm" 20 mins -40 mins and you can tailor your own sessions. So if space is a problem, just do standing positions. It even reminds you in a daily basis.