How to Keep Your Yoga Practice as a Busy Parent
If you’re a first time parent or have a few littles already, you might be struggling to get back to your trusty old yoga routine. Among all the new changes and time constraints of having small children, finding time for yoga might feel like a distant dream. But with a little creativity and flexibility, you can effectively weave short yoga practices into your daily routine. Here are three ways to make yoga work for you and your family.
1. Get Creative with Timing
You don’t need an hour of uninterrupted time to enjoy the benefits of yoga – even a 10 minute session can work wonders. Start by carving out brief moments throughout your day. A quick morning stretch while your baby is playing on the floor is a great way to bond with them and move your body in one go. Household chores are also a great opportunity for yoga – squeeze in a few stretches or poses while you wait for the water to boil or the coffee to brew. For something a bit more calming, you can do a short evening practice focused on meditation once the baby is asleep for the night and before you turn in for bed yourself.
2. Involve Your Child
Children love to mirror their parents as they learn the world around them. Start your usual yoga flow and slowly engage your child in poses like Tree or Warrior. You can also create a short, imaginative yoga routine based on their favorite story or fictional character – there are plenty of animal-based yoga poses to allow you to do this! If you have an infant or toddler, “lifting the baby” can become a strengthening exercise and “baby’s breath” can be a calming moment for both of you.
3. Join a Community
Surround yourself with other parents, whether you’re a father or mother of young kids. Finding fellow parents to spend time with could open the door to joint yoga practices through child-friendly group classes or just casual yoga flows with friends. A parenting community can offer support and motivation while also giving you some room to incorporate movement into your life. Social channels are a great place to find these groups, for example Amador Mom Walk on Instagram.
Incorporating yoga into your routine while caring for small children might require some adjustments, but the benefits are worth it. By embracing short sessions, involving your child, and using your environment creatively, you can find moments of peace and rejuvenation amidst the busy days of parenthood. Remember, even a few minutes of yoga packs a punch.
And if you are able to get away for an hour, Amador Yoga is here for you with a variety of classes. Plus, this October is the perfect time to get into the studio with your fellow moms or dads thanks to our OM-panion Buddy Pass promotion – all members on 6 and 12-month plans can bring a friend to any yoga or Pilates class completely free of charge. We look forward to seeing you on the mat!