When Yoga Becomes Stressful

Lately I’ve been sharing something with people close to me…Yoga has become stressful.

But how can yoga be stressful?!

I hear it all the time. As a teacher, this is something I’m doing for money, to pay my bills, to hopefully not have to waitress for the rest of my life.

When you’re a student you show up to class, get your zen on, and if the teacher is good, never think about everything they have to do to make that class run for you.

It’s not the yoga that’s stressful but yoga as work is. It’s planning classes when you’re exhausted and uninspired. Dealing with a board run community center that’s unorganized with poor communication. Students telling you they love your class then not seeing them for two months. Being paid per student and having no one show up.

When I decided to take my teacher training a year ago I knew I had a job lined up when I was finished and I thought I could flow easily into the life of a yoga teacher. Turns out, it wasn’t as easy as I expected. I think most yoga teachers would agree it’s challenging to find a balance between teaching, probably having another job as well, having a social life, and having your own practice.

In no way am I complaining. I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach and, hopefully, help people live a healthier and happy life.

So what am I doing about it?

I’ve decided to leave two of my teaching jobs. This leaves me with one karma class a week.

One thing about being a yoga teacher is that you schedule is so full with teaching that you have little time to go to someone elses class. By making more space in my schedule I now have the time to go to other yoga classes and I’m going to start going belly dancing!

The burn out from being so busy has taken my away from living a yoga lifestyle so I’m very excited to now have the time to spend studying, reading and practicing more than just the poses!

I’ve started waking up early and going straight to my mat. I light a few candles and open the curtains so I can practice with the rising sun. Being in peace, in a quiet space, is such a beautiful way to start the day. I feel refreshed and full of joy that stays with me for the whole day.

Another ritual I’m starting is relaxing baths right before bed. Soaking in a hot bath filled with epsom salts, coconut oil and lavender oil is a wonderful way to relax and nourish the body. I like to light tons of candles, play relaxing music and sip some sleepy time tea. I sleep so soundly on the nights I do this it makes me want to do it every night!

No matter what your job is we all need to remember to honour ourselves with ample amounts of self-care and love. Taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish, it’s what we need to do to take care of everyone in our life and feel our best.

What practices do you do when you’re feeling stressed or burnt out?

PS. Looking for more ways to relax? Try writing morning pages and yoga for better sleep.

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