top of page
PRIMARY COFFEE.png

Simple Ways to Make Yoga a Daily Habit

Updated: Jun 10

We all realize by now, life is a lot. Between responsibilities, inboxes, and trying to remember if you drank water today, taking time for yourself feels like a luxury.


But you don’t need a 90-minute yoga class or a perfectly aesthetic setup to reconnect with yourself. You don't even need a yoga mat to be honest. You just need a few intentional minutes. Little pockets of time that remind you that you’re allowed to pause.


Woman doing yoga on mat in cozy room with candles and plants. Text: Simple Ways to Make Yoga a Daily Habit. Mood is calm.


Why Short Practices Actually Work


There’s no rule that says yoga has to be long to be meaningful. 5 minutes is better then no minutes and sometimes that's all it takes to set you back on track.


Quick sessions can help you:


  • Shake off stress and hit reset

  • Bring some calm into your day when things feel hectic

  • Move stuck energy in your body

  • Feel more grounded and present (even if just for a moment)


Science even backs this up. Research shows that regular, bite-sized movement and breathwork can boost your mental health. One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 10 minutes of yoga-based movement (paired with breath awareness) significantly improved mood and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.


Close-up of a serene yoga mat on a wooden floor



Easy Ways to Fit Yoga Into Your Day

(Without Making It a Whole Thing)


Here are a few small ways to bring a little more presence and ease into your daily rhythm.


Morning Stretch:

Start your day with a few feel-good moves. Even 5–10 minutes of light stretching or a few sun salutations can help wake up your body and set the tone. Light a candle or play a favorite playlist if that helps you drop in.


Midday Reset:

Feeling scattered or glued to your screen? Step away for a few minutes, breathe deep, do a few side bends or shoulder rolls. Reconnect with your intention for the day.


Wind Down Before Bed:

At the end of the day, trade scrolling for something a little more nourishing. Try Legs-Up-the-Wall or a few gentle forward folds to help your body shift into rest mode.


Waiting Time Moments:

Waiting for your tea to steep? Sitting in a waiting room? Do a quick neck roll or wrist stretch. These micro-movements can relieve tension and improve circulation.


High angle view of a tranquil home yoga space


Creating a Designated Space


Having a designated yoga space at home can encourage you to practice regularly, even if for a moment. You don’t need an entire yoga room (although that is great too). Just a little nook that feels calming. Some ideas:


  • Pick a quiet-ish spot where you won’t be interrupted

  • Keep it uncluttered and simple: a yoga mat and any props you like to use, a symbolic item that anchors you to your intention for practicing.

  • Bonus: soft lighting, plants, a cozy blanket, pillow, meditation cushion or your favorite calming scent can make it feel extra inviting


The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a vibe that supports you showing up.



Eye-level view of a peaceful yoga corner with natural light
A tranquil yoga corner inviting relaxation with soft natural lighting.

A Super Simple 10-Minute Yoga Flow


If you like having a little structure, here’s one way to build a quick but meaningful practice:


Gentle Warm-Up (2 min):

Neck rolls, shoulder circles, side stretches. Gentle stretches to open up the body and ease into movement. Aim to move your spine all 6 ways (front/back, side to side, and twisting ea. way).


A Few Core Poses (6 min):

Pick 3–4 poses or dynamic movements that you love (think Downward Dog, Tree Pose, Seated Twist, or flowing back and forth from High lunge to Reverse Warrior) and hold each one for 5 breaths or more. Focus on how it feels, not how it looks. Aim to find your "edge" by going just deep enough to feel a little resistance and challenge but not so far that it causes pain.


Cool Down (2min):

End with a calming pose like Child’s Pose or a few deep breaths lying down. Taking your time to really savor the moment in presence, not thinking about rushing off to the next thing you have to do.


That’s it. No pressure. Just you showing up for yourself in a way that feels doable.


Three lit candles against a blurred background. Text: "The Power of Three" and "Mini Course: Unlocking Ancient Wisdom." Warm, calm ambiance.

My free mini course, The Power of Three, is designed to help you build your rituals around the simple pattern of 3 that makes things just click. Sign up here and learn why magic loves this rhythm.



Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques


Incorporating mindfulness and breathing techniques into your short yoga sessions can deepen your experience. Here are a few essential techniques to try:


  • Deep Breathing: Focus on inhaling deeply through your nose, letting the lungs expand fully with air, holding for a moment, and then exhaling slowly back out through the nose. This practice can help lower stress and slow down your mind.


  • Body Scan: As you stretch, perform a quick body scan, checking in with how each part feels. This promotes mind-body connection, allowing us to relax and drop out of our minds into our bodies.


  • Gratitude Reflection: Spend a moment reflecting on what you are grateful for during your practice. This creates a positive mind state.



Staying Consistent Without Forcing It


Sticking with a regular practice isn’t always easy. Life ebbs and flows and sometimes just getting out of bed feels like too much to ask.


But consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It’s not about doing 108 sun salutations every single day. It’s about carving out a little time for soul-care, in whatever way you can. Here are some ways to make your practice feel more sustainable (and a little more you):


Anchor It to a Rhythm You Already Have

Stack your practice onto another daily habit that’s already happening, like right after you make your morning tea, or before your nightly Netflix. Let it become part of your natural rhythm, like brushing your teeth or changing your clothes.


Use Gentle Reminders

Leaving your mat unrolled in your ritual space is an open invitation to step onto it. Also, setting a phone reminder with a message that feels kind, like: “Time to check in with your body” or “Your mat misses you.” can help to remind you to move.


Make It Something You Actually Look Forward To

Practice in a way that feels nourishing, not like a chore. That might mean playing your favorite playlist, moving outside under the trees, or rolling around on the floor in your pajamas. There are no rules here, just doing what feels good.


Keep a Little Reflection Journal

After you practice, jot down how you feel—physically, emotionally, energetically. You don’t need a full journal entry. A few words or a rating 1-10 of how you felt when you started vs. how you feel after. Over time, you’ll start to see how these tiny check-ins shift your inner landscape.



Final Thoughts


Regardless of how busy life gets, remember that these small moments add up. They don’t have to be “perfectly spiritual” or Pinterest-worthy. It’s not about chasing an aesthetic, it’s about making space to check in with yourself, to move, to breathe, and to remember who you are.



If you're ready to go deeper into creating sacred structure in your life without rigid rules...

check out my course, The Art of Daily Ritual. It’s packed with tools to help you weave intentional, grounded practices into your home, body, and every part of your day.


Woman holding sage in a forest, surrounded by fallen leaves. Text: "The Art of Daily Ritual" and description about creating sacred space.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page