Returning to Your Yoga Practice After a Hiatus

There are many reasons why you might fall away from your yoga practice or workout routine. Life can be complicated, your needs change, you’re recovering from an injury or a heartache, or something else gets in the way.

If you have had a bit of a hiatus from yoga recently, but you know that you really want to get back into practicing, it can be helpful to take things slow and be kind to yourself.

Focus on new beginnings

Instead of being attached to the way your practice was before, give yourself an opportunity to show up in the present moment with acceptance for where you are now. You are establishing new habits, new opportunities and new experiences.

Consider this a new chapter of your practice—maybe it aligns with a new chapter in life, a physical relocation to a new place, a new relationship, or a new spiritual awakening. Keep focusing on the here and now. Be here now.

Notice if there is self-judgment

Self-judgment and self-criticism can keep us from moving forward, or getting started. If you notice yourself being hard on yourself, take a deep breath. Can you approach this moment with grace? Can you let go of your expectations? Can you let go of comparing your practice now to the way your practice used to be?

In the moments when you can avoid judging yourself at all, you create a sense of expansion and awareness that helps you become present.

Notice what you tell yourself. Notice your own voice. Invite kindness and compassion.

Move slowly and trust your body

Yoga is an intuitive practice. Listen to what your muscles, joints, and ligaments are telling you. Listen to your breath and your heartbeat. Notice where there is tension or pain.

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or frustrated, slow down. Ask, what do I need from my practice right now? If you are willing to approach your practice with humility, there will be deep healing.

Create a schedule that you’re excited about

What can you reasonably commit to at this moment in your life?

Schedule that into your calendar and do your best to make sure that your schedule is actually realistic. You are more likely to find consistency if you can start small and build from there.

Connect to your breath

A big part of any yoga practice is being in alignment with the breath. If you are getting back into yoga, you might consider a short pranayama practice as the foundation of building up your practice again. Five to ten minutes of breathing, maybe 10 minutes of asana (poses), and then 5 minutes of relaxation. Try that, see how it feels. Even taking a short break in the middle of your day to concentrate on your breathing is a beautiful way to bring your practice back into your daily life.

Nourish yourself with encouragement and support

Ask for accountability and support from your yoga community, your teachers, and your friends. Give yourself encouraging words and you might even enjoy rewarding yourself once in a while after a practice. Set up times for things you look forward to and feel excited about. I always enjoy brunch after class with friends, a fun yoga in the park session, or a restorative experience like a sound bath or energy healing session as a way to complement my home practice.

Let go of any pressure you’re putting on yourself

Remember, you have nothing to prove and nothing that must be achieved. Your practice is for you. Practice gently, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the process. Everything unfolds from here!