The less time you have, the more you need to do yoga. “But how?” you may ask. “I’m already doing way too much.” Well, with yoga, it’s easy to break down your practice into shorter periods if the mere thought of getting up an hour earlier makes you yawn. Although, I must say, an hour of yoga is more energizing than an hour of sleep!
Life can get very stressful. The responsibility of juggling a job and family, dealing with life’s blows, pressures at work, and so on can all take their toll on the immune system, leading to high blood pressure, intestinal disorders, and a myriad of other problems. Making some time to practice yoga techniques each day will actually save you time because your body will be healthier, you’ll have more energy, and your mind will be sharp, clear, and calm. You’ll be able to get more done in less time and with less effort. Sound too good to be true? It’s not.
Try doing 30 minutes in the morning (half an hour less sleep isn’t so bad) or even just 10 if you can’t keep your hand off the snooze button. Then fit in a few asanas or exercises throughout the day—neck rolls and ankle exercises at your desk, for example, or leg stretches at the gas pump. (Just put one heel on the island and lean forward for a hamstring stretch.) And try to fit in another 15 minutes to half an hour before you go to bed. Just avoid energizing poses like intense backbends and Salute to the Sun at night, or you may have a hard time getting to sleep. End your practice with meditation to relax you fully for restful slumber.
You’ll notice the difference your first day. And if you practice religiously, when people ask how you manage to do it all with such equanimity, you’ll have the pleasure of sharing your valuable secret with them.
