The Christmas tree is up, the front door is completely decked out, Christmas music is pumping from my phone at all times, the cookie jar is full, and the holiday season has officially arrived! 

And, one thing I know for sure, is that your yoga practice? Between holiday parties and get-togethers, school concerts, cookie exchanges, gift shopping for your favorite people, and prep for all of the festivities... it might take a hit in the next month. 

Maintaining your yoga practice during your holidays is not easy. 

So, I thought I'd share with you some fun and creative ways I keep my yoga practice going when life is pulling me in a million different directions. Use one of them or all, but know that these completely work to help you release stress, feel good in your mind and body, and make time for you. 

Let's dig into it now:

1. Habit Stacking. If you don't know what habit stacking is, no worries! It's a super simple concept. All you have to do is look at the things you do without fail every single day and pair it with some sort of yoga move. 

I am a huge coffee lover. So, each morning I move through Hip CARs, yogi squats (Malasana), and hip figure 8s, and quick back bend while my coffee is brewing. Yoga has already been accomplished and I've been up for 10-minutes - score! 

You can also choose to do Sun Salutations, wall walks to Wheel Pose, or kick-ups to inversions. Or, maybe you just need a Child's Pose. 

But, pair it with something you always do. 

2. Micro-practices. You will not always have an hour to move through a yoga practice. But, that doesn't mean that you should do zero yoga. 

Micro-practices are the way to go! 

Break your practice into short segments, like a 5-minute stretch after waking, a 10-minute flow before lunch, and a relaxing pose, such as Sleeping Cowface Pose (Ghomukasana), before bed.

Also, use yoga as a quick reset during natural breaks, like after a meeting or chore. Just know that your back bending practice happens directly after that long meeting that always happens on Monday or after your return home for the office. 

3. Turn waiting time into practice time. I am a HUGE fan of this one. 

If I'm standing in a line, it's a good time to practice breath work, mindfulness, or even get in some unassuming Hip Lifts (if you know, you know). 

4. Yoga Alarms. That reminder app on your phone can be a huge help in keeping your yoga practice on track. 

Set a daily reminder at 2pm to stop and breathe. Or, a 10am Headstand or Goddess Pose. 

It's a little more fun if you know what you're going to practice when, so try not to just set a reminder that says, "Yoga." You will totally skip it... 

5. Set "Silent Hours." We have this going all year long in our home and it's the best.

In the morning, there are no screens and no music for the first two hours of the day. It's a time for both my husband and I to engage in our own quiet mindfulness activities. 

If you have kids, tell them it's time to read or play quietly. And, then use this time for your yoga practice or meditation. 

I hope these 5 ideas work for you, not only during this holiday season, but whenever life throws you a curve ball and your normal practice times get diminished in some way. 

Just know that whatever you've built for your practice will not completely disappear after a month, or two where it doesn't happen as often as you used to. 

The whole point is to stay connected to you and in your life. Someone that lives on purpose and with intention. 

Remember that and your yoga practice will always be yours. 

Big Hugs, 

Tori G. ♡