As a yoga instructor, you’re constantly thinking about others. Your responsibilities as a teacher revolve around everyone in your class — has instruction been differentiated enough? Is there someone who needs extra help? Are students understanding your directions? How’s the pace working for this class? What about that gentleman in the back who has a bad knee? The questions that a yoga teacher asks themselves are endless, as you’re thinking about everyone in the class. However, there’s one question that often goes unanswered — who’s thinking about you?
The truth is, this question often ends up being the last thing that yoga teachers think about, but thinking about how you’re doing and what you need for your overall well-being is just as important to consider. Yoga teachers can sometimes feel burned out from constantly being in a giver role, one where the needs of others are consistently put before themselves. Yet when yoga teachers (and everyone, for that matter) take the necessary time for themselves, they’ll not only feel better, but do better as an instructor as well.
Our yoga teacher training programs are designed to prepare students for all aspects of becoming a yoga teacher, and much of this includes how to effectively practice self-care. Take a look at some further insights on self-care, and enroll today with the yoga teacher training courses at Inbody Yoga Academy!
Self-Care Tips for Yoga Teachers
There’s a lot more that goes into self-care than what the media and popular belief might portray. Self-care isn’t just a spa weekend, it’s choices that you consistently make as part of your overall lifestyle. Here are some initial things you can try out, and begin building into your routine!
Go to a Yoga Class
This might be surprising to some, but many yoga teachers often lose sight of what they originally loved as a yoga student. Granted, becoming a yoga instructor opens up so many more avenues to fall in love with this practice, but teachers often report going to yoga classes and being students less than they did before becoming a teacher.
You know how valuable yoga is, you preach about it to your own students all the time. Going to a class is a great way for you to get to disconnect, and let someone else lead while you focus on your own needs.
Take a Break
We have a tendency to be constantly on the go, but like our phones and our tablets, our batteries need recharging, too. Whether this means going for a walk, listening to your favorite podcast, taking a bubble bath, or any other hobby that provides you with that feeling of “ahhhh,” start recognizing when you need a break, and then make sure you get that time.
Disconnect From Tech
Pouring over our social media feeds can feel like an escape, but in actuality, it can have the reverse effects on our brain. Research suggests that it can lower people’s moods, and increase anxiety when used regularly or in excess. Finding some time to disconnect from social media often leaves us feeling more purposeful and fulfilled than scrolling through Facebook or Twitter for the fifteenth time does.
Sleep More
One in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, according to the CDC. When you have a job or commitment that requires a lot of physical and emotional capacity/energy as a whole (such as being a yoga teacher), it’s essential that you’re getting to bed in a timely manner, and getting the snooze time you need. As necessary as it may feel to stay up late to finish one last thing, you’ll be in better shape to tackle it tomorrow if you spend that time sleeping instead.
Think Positively
Often, stress leads us to think in fairly negative terms. This makes us feel worse about the situation, it’s true, but it also can make us feel worse and impact our outlook as a whole. In any situation, there are nearly always things to be grateful for. Tough times don’t mean that you can’t feel sadness or anger, but when you find a way to focus on the positive, you’ll feel better and more able to manage the stress.
Write down a list at least once a week (if not daily) of things that you’re thankful for. Share with a loved one the positive things that are all around you. Have a mental moment of gratitude each day — all of these things are exactly what your body and mind need to be in a better place.
There are countless ways that you can practice self-care, and these are just some ideas that can make a difference. When you start up with yoga teacher training courses at Inbody Yoga Academy, you can learn even more about self-care practices — both to implement with your own life, and to encourage in the lives of your students as well. Sign up today!