We Flow Hard by Sarah Levey & Emily DiDonato

Author:Sarah Levey & Emily DiDonato
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Running Press
Published: 2017-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

UNPLUGGING

Let’s face it: we live in a fast-paced world. There are so many distractions in our lives that hinder our ability to unplug. There is always something that we need to do, always somewhere to be, always something to check off our to-do lists. How do we set aside all of those thoughts for even five minutes, let alone for an entire hourlong yoga class?! Just writing this makes it seem nearly impossible.

As tempting as it is to stay constantly plugged in, checking item after item off of those endless to-do lists, no one can run on empty. How can we do all of the things we need to in life—from your exciting side hustle to mundane grocery shopping—but still be personally charged up? The answer is simple: you need to take time for yourself. I know, I know—easier said than done! But yoga teaches us many techniques to help us with this challenging task. One of the best lessons we can learn from yoga is that it’s the quality of the recharging that matters, not the time it takes. You do not need to meditate for three hours a day to unplug. You need to find something that works for you.

When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed with work or projects, I remind myself that I’m not going to be able to do my best unless I am in a good place. I step back. I take ten minutes to walk away from what I am doing. I love doing a small meditation during this time, either on my own (see here) or with a guided app like Headspace. I’ll do a breathing exercise and focus on the inhales and exhales, bringing myself back to the present moment. I ask myself some centering questions: what is important now, in this moment? By taking a small break from distractions, technology, and other people, I bring myself back to the task at hand, instead of focusing on what could happen if I don’t do something, or what might happen if someone doesn’t do what I ask. Yoga is ultimately an individual practice, and it teaches us that we can only control our own actions—what others do is outside of our control.

The practice also teaches the importance of setting boundaries for yourself. Carving out a space without technology is difficult, but it’s a crucial way to bring the lessons from yoga into your everyday life—and it makes such a difference. If you find that you get into bed at 10:00 p.m., but are up for two hours on your phone looking at Snapchat, that’s not creating healthy boundaries for yourself. We’ve all been there: waking up tired in the morning and wondering where the time went. Consider plugging your phone in on the other side of the room. Force yourself to just be in bed. That’s it. The discipline that you cultivate on the mat—that force inside that allows you to hold your poses even when you want to give up—isn’t just about your workout.

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