Yoga Pathways

I might have mentioned this before, but I love novelty. I love being out of routine. I love adventure. And, I am notoriously bad at returning from holidays, finding transitioning to humdrum reality miserable. Well, it seems that’s how I used to be.

My Journey Back to Routine After a Holiday

This time, for the first time in over three years, I experienced a complete break from all routine, especially my morning routine—a routine that’s become my daily lifeline.

Flashback to over three years ago: I kicked off my morning routine with three yoga and meditation sessions a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 am, all via Zoom. It started with a handful of friends, who were my guinea pigs for this new venture. I was already teaching yoga in-person, but I had this hunch that a morning practice would be the ultimate game-changer for my day. I’m a morning person; I pop out of bed like a piece of toast from a toaster. So, the routine stuck, flourished, and has evolved.

Since then, I have continued to polish my routine, adding and perfecting elements as I go. And I shall continue to do so, always tweaking to make my mornings even better. (Another time, I might even share the various evolutions.)

Then came the holiday. For ten glorious days, my morning routine vanished. No early risings, no yoga, no meditation, and no morning walk. Holiday mornings were all about coffee and exploration before the world became too hot. While I loved every minute of my holiday, there was a definite and undeniable itch to get back to my morning routine.

The Routine Break-Up

Let’s talk about the challenge: breaking up with my routine. For ten days, I embraced the freedom of having no schedule. And guess what? My energy actually dipped, my back started to hurt, and I got out of bed each morning feeling like I was 90 years old. My body protested the sudden change in routine even before my mind became conscious. Thank goodness my health and safety team didn’t under pack the pharmaceuticals. Thanks Donald. 😘

The Sweet Reunion

But then, my holiday ended. On the first morning back, I set my alarm for 5:55 am. I was shocked by the shower (having forgotten to turn the hot water back on), drank a cup of tea, meditated, and just before 7 am, unrolled my yoga mat and joined my Zoom morning yoga. It felt like reuniting with an old friend. We jumped straight into a powerful core-based practice, and I felt an instant surge of energy and clarity. My body and mind were basically throwing a welcome-home party.

A huge part of this joy was seeing the familiar faces of my online yogi community on Zoom. Their presence in those little boxes was a warm welcome back, reminding me of the accountability and connection that make my routine so special. This community isn’t just part of my morning; they’re part of my life, supporting and inspiring each other daily.

Why Mornings Matter

Energy Boost:

My morning yoga gives me an energy boost that coffee just can’t match. It’s like my body’s natural espresso shot.

Mental Clarity:

Meditation helps clear out the mental cobwebs, giving me a fresh start and helping me tackle the day with a clear mind.

Emotional Zen:

Starting with mindfulness keeps me balanced. It’s like having an emotional buffer against the day’s stresses.

Physical Perks:

Regular yoga keeps me flexible and strong. Plus, it’s a great way to shake off the morning stiffness.

Feel-Good Factor:

Nailing my morning routine feels like winning the day before it even begins. Instant mood booster!

Your turn

Thinking about starting a morning routine? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Start small: a few stretches, a quick meditation, or just enjoying your morning coffee in peace. The secret is consistency. Those little habits add up and can make a big difference over time.

So, as I dive back into my beloved morning rituals, I invite you to join me. Let’s start our days with intention, a bit of movement, and maybe even a laugh or two. Here’s to making our mornings mindful and setting the tone for a fantastic day!