back to the hotpod! what i learnt after taking 6 months off... 📅

this break, although unintentional, taught me valuable lessons about resilience, self-care, and the profound impact yoga has on my overall well-being.

whilst away from the pod, i tried many different things... running, home workouts, gym classes & online yoga. but they didn't have the same impact (at least for me anyway). i was finding they didn't give me the same tranquility that i have found from doing group yoga.

if you're interested in learning more yoga and it's benefits, check out this short youtube video on "what is yoga" - it talks about the fascinating story of yoga, from its complex inception in the religious, spiritual and philosophical landscape from india all the way to the western world today, where it has become more popular than ever 📽️

finding a workout that you can lose yourself in is a game-changer! it might be yoga, running, dancing, or even a brisk walk in the park. the key is to find something that lets you forget about the world for a while, something that feels less like a chore and more like a retreat. when you find that workout, it becomes a sanctuary where you can clear your mind and recharge your spirit. it's all about discovering what moves you, both physically and mentally, and making it a part of your routine. that’s when exercise stops being a task and starts being a joy.

when i first returned to yoga, i noticed how much my body had changed. my flexibility had decreased, my balance was off, and my endurance wasn’t what it used to be. it was tempting to push myself hard to regain what i had lost, but i quickly realised that this approach would only lead to frustration and potential injury. yoga is not about pushing to the limit but rather listening to your body and honouring its current state. taking it slow allowed me to rebuild my strength and flexibility gradually, making the process more enjoyable and sustainable.

life without yoga had been noticeably more stressful. yoga offers a unique combination of physical activity and mental relaxation that significantly reduces stress. during my break, i felt more tense and less equipped to handle the daily pressures of life. returning to yoga reminded me how effective it is in managing stress. the mindful breathing, meditative movements, and the practice of being present all contribute to a sense of calm and clarity that is hard to achieve through other means.

not only did i miss the physical benefits of yoga, but i also missed the sense of routine it brought to my life. yoga sessions provided a structured time to pause, reflect, and connect with myself. without it, i felt a void that no other activity could fill. re-establishing my yoga practice helped me reclaim this sense of order and mindfulness, which spilled over into other aspects of my life.

yoga isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s also about achieving balance between the yin and yang aspects of life. yin represents the calm, meditative, and restorative side, while yang embodies the active, dynamic, and outward-focused energy. my time away from yoga tipped the balance too far towards yang, leaving me feeling overextended and drained. coming back to yoga helped me rediscover the importance of yin – the quiet, introspective, and nurturing energy that keeps me grounded and centered.

taking six months off yoga was a reminder of how much the practice adds value to my life. it’s not just a workout; it’s a holistic approach to well-being that nurtures both body and mind. my return to yoga has been a journey of patience, self-compassion, and renewed appreciation for the practice. it’s a reminder that it’s okay to take breaks, but also important to return to what nurtures us and brings balance to our lives.

p.s. i highly recommend taking a trip to your local hotpodyoga studio if you haven't tried it. they're dotted around the UK so can always be found.