Why Yoga Instructors Need Self-Care

As yoga teachers, I am often told to “practice what you preach. I assume that every person reading this tries to live the yoga of mindfulness and self-care, yet even those most committed teachers have times when they are weary or sad or just need a time out. It is important to know when you need to take a step back, and not just for your own health this will help keep classes in line. All the more reason to acknowledge those feelings, and take a day when you need it.

Understanding Your Limits

Yes, yoga is for health and well-being of body as well as mind but do not forget that teacher will be a human. You will have days when you are just feeling crappy, emotional and the word cannot explain;TOTALLY BURNT OUT. This may result in chronic fatigue and decreased performance as a teacher, or even worse, for oneself.

Why Rest is Essential

• Physical Health: Doing yoga when you're feeling unwell can exacerbate your health problems. Rest gives you time to recover and avoid injury, so that your passion can be shared for many years more.
• Mental Clarity: Anxious mind filled with anger or mental stress leads to inadequate judgment and presence during classes. It allows your batteries to recharge, enabling you to come back with a fresher mind and more vigor.
• Lead By Example: You are only taking care of you and thus showing the students what healthy behaviour looks like. It shows that self-care is just as important a part of your yoga practice. This lesson has carried over well with students, encouraging them to listen more closely to their bodies and minds.

Body + Mind Listen

Yoga is about being in tune with ones self. And the best time to act on those signals is when you feel fatigued or overwhelmed. Perhaps you missed your practice, a day off is just the ticket to get back on track. Take care of your mental and emotional health by practicing whatever refills you; whether it be meditation, journaling or simply having some time off.

Communicating with Students

On the day you decide to take for yourself, get real with your students. A quick note that you need a break will go a long way towards establishing an atmosphere of empathy and kindness within your community. Most likely, your students will respect the fact you honor it and they may actually appreciate the honesty.

Conclusion

Because remember: even the most passionate yoga instructors need to take a little break every now and then. It is not a sign of weakness — it is strength. In doing so, you have a more holistic teaching experience as well just by recognizing when it is necessary to take those mental health days or breaks from personally exhausting and heart wrenching things. LOVE YOURSELF, and enjoy the journey of teaching again!