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Your Sacred Hour: How to Carve Out Time for Yoga in a Busy Life

Your Sacred Hour: How to Carve Out Time for Yoga in a Busy Life Life’s busy. That’s no secret. Whether it’s the demands of work, family, study, a buzzing social calendar or simply keeping the house somewhat in order - our days can feel like they’re running us, instead of the other way around. But here’s something we hear time and time again from our students at Yoga Spirit Studios: “The days I feel like I don’t have time for yoga… are the days that I need it the most.” What is a Sacred Hour? It’s not about doing anything elaborate (unless that’s your thing), your Sacred Hour is simply a time you set aside for yourself. It is a non-negotiable moment of stillness, movement, breath, or reflection that fills your cup before you go pouring yourself into everything else. At Yoga Spirit Studios, we see this hour as more than just time on the mat - it’s a ritual of care, presence, and commitment to yourself. Joining us for a practice in the studio can give you space to slow down, move mindfully, and drop into your body and breath. That uninterrupted and dedicated time can be deeply restorative - physically, mentally and emotionally. But we also know that not every day allows for practice with us. On those days, even 10 minutes of deep breathing while you make a cup of tea or a short home meditation can keep the thread of practice alive. It’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about returning, gently and consistently, to yourself. Whatever shape it takes, your Sacred Hour is yours. A reminder that you’re allowed to stop, to soften, and to be held—just as you are. Why Carving Out Time Feels So Hard The truth is, time won’t magically appear. In our culture of go-go-go, taking rest, or doing something purely for our own well-being, can feel indulgent or even selfish. We wait until the to-do list is done, the laundry’s folded, the emails are answered. But let’s be real: that list never ends. And when we constantly put ourselves last, something eventually gives - usually our health, patience or energy. 5 Gentle Ways to Reclaim Your Sacred Hour If your calendar feels like a game of Tetris, here are a few ideas to help you make space: 1. Schedule Your Sacred Hour Like an Appointment Book your class or practice like you would a doctor’s visit or work meeting. Add it to your diary, set a reminder, and protect that time like it matters - because it does. 2. Start Small You don’t need a 90-minute class five times a week to feel the benefits. Even one class a week, consistently, can shift your mood, sleep, and stress levels. 3. Find Your Flow Not a morning person? Don’t force the sunrise class. Prefer a slow wind-down? Try Yin in the evening. Choose a practice that suits your energy and needs, not someone else’s. 4. Say “No” to Say “Yes” Sometimes we overcommit socially or take on more than we need to. It’s okay to say “no” to that extra coffee catch-up or volunteer task if it means saying “yes” to your own wellbeing. Our capacity to show up for friends and family, to support our communities, is increased when we look after our own well-being. 5. Bring It Home Can’t make it to the studio? A short home practice can still be powerful. See below for a gentle practice you can try today. How a Studio Membership Can Help You Make Time One of the most helpful things we see among our members is how their yoga becomes part of their weekly rhythm. Having a membership means you’re not deciding if you’ll go to class each week but investing in yourself and in your practice, it becomes a natural part of your schedule, like your Sunday markets or weekday morning coffee. A membership can give your practice structure, consistency and a soft form of accountability. You’ve said “yes” to yourself ahead of time, and that commitment helps you follow through, even on those weeks or days when motivation is low and life feels hectic. A Simple Home Practice You Can Try Today Even five minutes can help you reconnect. Here’s a gentle breath and awareness practice to try when time is tight: 🌿 Grounding Breath Practice (Approx. 5-10 mins): Find a quiet place to sit comfortably, on the couch or on the floor with a cushion or blanket. Let yourself land with practice, closing your eyes or softening your gaze. Begin by noticing your breath. No need to change it to start with. Gently start to lengthen your exhale. Breathe in for a count of 4, out for a count of 6. Repeat for 5-10 rounds of breath (counting using fingers and thumb is an easy way to track this), letting each breath soften the body a little more. If thoughts arise, welcome them and then gently return to the rhythm of your breath. Finish the practice by bringing a hand to your heart and thanking yourself for showing up. You can even pair this with a few gentle movements like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs or a seated twist to open the body. Ready to Find Your Sacred Hour? If you’ve been meaning to return to practice, or begin for the first time, maybe this is your gentle nudge. Our memberships are here to support you in staying steady through life’s changing seasons. Whether it’s one class a week or three, we’ll meet you where you are. Come find your rhythm with us.