When Wellness Slips and Life Gets in the Way
Simple Yoga Habits for a Resilient Body and Mind
(Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes)
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to keep up with your wellness routines (especially during the chaos of summer holidays, after a setback, or when life simply feels overwhelming) you’re not alone! As someone deeply passionate about yoga for spine health, I know firsthand that even the best intentions can falter. Here’s how I navigate those tough moments, and how you can, too.
When Wellness Feels Hard
There are seasons when my yoga mat gathers dust. The summer holidays, for example, bring joy but also endless to-dos, travel, and disrupted routines. Or sometimes, after an injury or a particularly stressful week, my motivation slips. The irony? These are the times my spine (and my spirit!) need yoga the most.
Back pain often flares up during these periods, thanks to long hours sitting, stress, or simply being out of routine. It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially when pain returns or progress stalls. But I’ve learned that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it.
Small Steps, Big Impact
When getting back on track feels daunting, I remind myself that yoga doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Even a few minutes of mindful movement can make a difference. Here’s what helps me (all of which can be found on our Resources page:
Gentle yet effective poses to release tension: On busy or low-energy days, I turn to simple poses like Figure-4 or Supta Padangusthasana. These movements gently stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hips and spine, relieve tension, and help restore mobility in the areas of my body that always seem to tense up.
Chair Yoga: If I can’t make it to the mat, I’ll do simple yet effective poses from the closest chair around me. These quick poses can ease stiffness and boost energy, especially during long workdays.
Mindful Breathing: Sometimes, just pausing for a few deep breaths while sitting or standing up tall and lengthening my spine is enough to reset my body and mind.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the most powerful lessons yoga has taught me is compassion, for my body and my present state. There will be days when my practice is short, or when I skip it altogether. That’s okay. Progress isn’t linear, and every small effort counts.
If you’re navigating a setback, remember:
Healing is rarely a straight line. Back pain, for example, often results from a “perfect storm” of stress, weak muscles, and poor posture. Recovery is about consistency, not perfection
Listen to your body. Modify poses as needed, use props to bring the ground up towards you, and don’t push through pain. If you have a medical condition, check with your SOAR Spine specialist before starting new poses.
Celebrate the wins. Even a three-minute practice is a victory.
Finding Joy Again
When I return to my mat after a break, I’m often surprised by how quickly my body responds. The spine loves movement–when done safely and correctly. Gentle stretching, strengthening, and mindful alignment can relieve pain, boost flexibility, and restore confidence. Over time, these small practices add up, making it easier to enjoy the activities I love, from hiking to simply sitting comfortably on the floor while playing with my kids.
If you’re struggling to maintain your wellness routine, know that you’re not alone. SAAL Yoga isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, especially when it’s hard. Start small, be gentle, and trust that each breath and movement is a step toward healing.
How do you navigate wellness setbacks? Share your story, any time—I’d love to hear from you.