Why Yoga Instructors Should Invest in Their Home Practice

As a yoga instructor, we don’t have to tell you what you already know—it often feels like your job is never done. 

Every single day, you’re dealing with a ton of unique responsibilities that—don’t get us wrong—you probably love but likely make for a super busy existence.

• Create new sequences.
• Upload the class schedule.
• Plan the social media marketing content.
• Work 1-on-1 with your students.
• Clean and sanitize the studio.
• File paperwork. Handle invoices.
• Run all your classes. 

And that’s probably only a fraction of what you have to do to run your business and invest in your students. The list an be pretty long. 

Why are we mentioning this? Certainly not because we think you’re complaining about the job you love. And definitely not because we think you’re neglecting your students.

We mention this busyness to ask a very important question—in the midst of all this chaos, are you investing in your own home practice?

We know, we know—that’s probably a really annoying thing to ask. You’re probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “Of course I care about my own home practice, but I also have one billion things to do.”

And we get it. But here’s the thing about being a yoga instructor—you’re often so invested in your students’ yoga journeys you’re halfway forced to neglect your own.

And to be totally honest, we think your practice should be your top priority. 

Why? Because it’s good for you, because it keeps you sane, and because, at the end of the day, you can’t help fill the cups of others if your own cup is empty. 

But that’s just the start of the list of reasons. Want to know more? We’ve got you more than covered. 

The Five Reasons You Should Invest in Your Own At-Home Practice 

Before you read this list, allow us the chance to offer a disclaimer.

No, we don’t think you’re going to magically find time in your schedule that didn’t exist just so you can focus on your at-home practice.

But we do think sometimes busy, successful instructors need a reminder that they’ll be the best version of themselves when they refocus on their own practice.

So, take this advice gently, know we don’t expect you to stop juggling all that you’re responsible for, and try to decide how you can slowly but surely incorporate more time into your own practice. 

1. You’ll Learn From & About Yourself

You’ll always be a student of yoga, and without an at-home practice, it’s impossible to keep that study sharp. 

A big part of yoga is discovering you—and while that’s a never-ending journey, you’ll never get any closer if you’re not investing in the practice that helps you better learn from and about yourself.

It’s like you probably tell your students, you can’t expect to show up at the studio three times a week and reap all the benefits of yoga. 

Investing in yoga is about really investing in yourself—and that’s something that everyone, including yoga teachers, deserves to do. 

2. Helps You Keep it Fresh for Your Students

If you’re not practicing regularly, you’re probably dishing out the same-old-same-old for your students.

And while there’s nothing wrong with the basics or consistency, there’s also something to be said about the yoga instructor who never changed their sequences or their classes. 

When you decide to invest in your own practice—whether it’s a creative flow at home or an instructor-led class—you’re seamlessly learning, practicing, and incorporating fresh takes into your own practice.

Over time the new poses, sequences, and ideas will flow into how your own teaching.

3. Create New Sequences Without Even Thinking 

When you’re being creative at home and feeling through new sequences, you’ll discover movements that can help your students, too.

Further, attending other classes—maybe one led by your yoga mentor or another instructor you respect and admire—gives you a fresh perspective on new flows and sequences that you can incorporate into your own yoga classes for your students. 

4. Gain Confidence

Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make for a beautiful yoga practice and a stunning dash of instructor confidence.

Don’t let anyone tell you differently, yoga teachers do need to be confident—no so confident that they’re arrogant and hard to learn from, but confident enough to show students they know what they’re talking about. 

Without a dedicated, at-home practice, you run the risk of getting rusty, losing touch, and worst of all, sapping your confidence.

No, you shouldn’t practice yoga to be the most physically skilled teacher out there, but you also shouldn’t try to instruct students without a healthy dose of confidence in what you’re teaching them. 

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5. Reduce Stress, Build Strength, and Invest in Yourself 

You know better than anyone, practicing yoga helps reduce stress, strengthen the connection to your mind, and helps you build endurance and strength.

In other words, it’s just plain good for you.

Aren’t you always encourage your students to invest in themselves?

Sounds like you should take your own advice, too.