Navigating Yoga Teacher Training Alongside a 9-5

When I completed my yoga teacher training, I did it alongside navigating a corporate career in the city. It took me a while to figure out how to balance these two things (along slide also trying to balance family/friends/hens/weddings/60th and 30th birthdays....SOS) and so I wanted to share the things that allowed me to strike that delicate balance, most of the time, with grace and compassion.

1. Mindful Planning: Approach your schedule with intentionality, like a meticulously crafted sequence. Dedicate time each week to both your professional responsibilities and your yoga practice. It's about finding harmony in the rhythm of your days.

2. Early bird gets the Om: Embrace the early hours. The mind is at its clearest here so it’s the perfect time to get some anatomy or philosophy studying in before the rest of your day begins.

3. Desk yoga: Working and studying at the same time is not easy. Incorporate gentle stretches and mindful breathing exercises into your routine. These moments of mindfulness can provide much-needed relief from the stresses of the day, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

4. Lunchtime Lotus: Use your midday break as an opportunity to practice a flow you need to learn or take a new yoga class and observe it. Observing classes and teachers is a great way to help you understand the flow of a class and what sort of teacher you want to be.

5. Weekend Retreat: Dedicate your weekends to diving deeper into your yoga practice. Immerse yourself fully in your teacher training, allowing yourself the time and space to grow and evolve on this transformative journey.

6. Nurture Yourself: Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Make time for activities that replenish your spirit and nourish your soul. Whether it's a leisurely walk in nature or a cosy evening with loved ones, prioritise the moments that bring you joy and restoration.

7. Embrace Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our plans need to adapt. Approach your journey with a sense of flexibility and self-compassion. Remember, it's okay to pause, to recalibrate, and to honour the ebb and flow of your own unique path.

As you navigate undertaking your YTT along side a 9 to 5, find solace in the practice of yoga and the wisdom it imparts: be gentle with yourself, honour your journey, and cultivate compassion in every moment.

Lara xoxo