01/10/2024
Quick and easy ways to find your calm 🌿 because even a few minutes can make a world of difference
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When I first started teaching yoga almost five years ago, I remember feeling anxious before every class. I’d be so nervous that I often struggled to fall asleep the night before I was supposed to teach. It was especially tough with early morning classes, trying to show up and be present without a proper night’s rest. I can clearly remember one night lying awake, thinking, “Will this ever get easier? Will I ever feel comfortable teaching, like it’s second nature?”
One evening, I recalled some advice from my yin teacher training and started a simple bedtime routine - putting my legs up the wall and practising a few rounds of square breathing before my nightly meditation. After I finished the breathing technique, I stayed with my legs up the wall for another five minutes. Within a week, I noticed a difference. I was falling asleep more easily, and my mind wasn’t racing with thoughts of the next morning’s class.
Over time, teaching started to feel more natural. I found my voice and gained confidence speaking in front of the class. Those nerves that used to overwhelm me slowly faded away. I still have these practices in my tool kit and love to share them with others as prompts.
If you’re struggling with similar feelings, I encourage you to experiment with simple practices that feel manageable. Try different things - whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, gentle stretches, or just taking time to pause and reflect.
Often it’s the smallest shifts that can make the biggest difference over time.
