Reconnecting with Routine: Establishing a Consistent Yoga Practice Post-Summer

12 Sept

As summer draws to a close and September arrives, many of us feel the need to reconnect with our routines, particularly our yoga practice. Summer, with its long days, holidays, and social events, often brings disruption to our usual schedules. Whether you’ve been travelling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the warmth and sunshine, it can be challenging to get back into the rhythm of a consistent yoga practice.

Her at the Sussex Yoga studio, I often hear my clients who are coming back to the studio after the summer, saying that they are finding it difficult to regain their focus after the summer months. Establishing a regular yoga routine again can feel daunting, but with a few simple strategies, it’s possible to bring mindfulness, movement, and balance back into your life.

Why Routine Matters in Yoga

Consistency in yoga offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. From a physical perspective, regular practice builds strength, flexibility, and stamina, while maintaining good posture and supporting overall health. Mentally, yoga helps us stay grounded, reduces stress, and improves focus. A regular routine also allows for deeper progress in your practice, offering opportunities for personal growth and the cultivation of mindfulness.

After the summer, when routines often become fragmented, re-establishing regularity is not just about returning to the mat, but about embracing a mindset that prioritises self-care and personal well-being.

Why September is the Perfect Time to Reconnect

September can be a time of transition. Schools re-open, holidays come to an end, and there’s a collective shift back to work, study, and routine. This change in pace offers an opportunity to refresh your intentions and reset your personal goals. For many, it’s a second chance at the “new year” feeling—a time to start afresh and get organised after the relaxed, often chaotic summer months.

Here at the Sussex Yoga studio, our September classes are starting to fill up as people look for structure, grounding, and a way to ease into the changing season. It’s a natural time to commit to your yoga journey, using it as an anchor amidst the busyness of autumn.

5 Strategies for Re-establishing a Regular Yoga Practice

To help you transition back into your yoga routine post-summer, here are five practical strategies that can keep you motivated and consistent:

1. Set Clear, Realistic Goals

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set clear, achievable goals. These don’t have to be grand; simple goals such as attending one class a week, or practising at home for 10 minutes each day can help you ease back into your routine. Writing down your intentions can also help—when you make a tangible commitment, you’re more likely to stick to it.

2. Create a Schedule and Stick to It

When life gets busy, it’s easy to skip yoga practice. Scheduling your yoga sessions in advance, just like you would any other important activity, ensures you make time for it. Block out times in your calendar for classes or home practice, and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Remember, consistency is key to building a habit.

3. Start Slow and Gentle

After a break, it can be tempting to dive back in with intensity, but your body and mind may need time to readjust. Begin with slower, gentler classes or short home practices. Yin yoga, restorative yoga, or Hatha yoga are excellent choices to ease your way back into regular practice. These practices allow you to listen to your body, honour where you are, and avoid burnout.

4. Use Online Resources for Flexibility

If attending in-person classes feels overwhelming or your schedule is tight, consider incorporating online yoga sessions. Many studios offer a combination of in-studio and online classes to help you stay connected to your practice, no matter your location or time constraints. Using apps or platforms to follow a guided practice from home can offer the flexibility needed to ease back into a routine.

5. Stay Accountable

Involving friends or family in your yoga journey can help keep you accountable. Perhaps arrange to attend a class together or share your progress with each other. Alternatively, joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide motivation. The supportive environment here at Sussex Yoga helps many of our students stay connected and engaged with their practice, even when motivation wanes.

Tips for Staying Motivated

Once you’ve re-established your routine, staying motivated is key to long-term success. Here are a few tips to keep your energy and enthusiasm for yoga going, especially as the autumn months settle in:

1. Find What You Love

Yoga is diverse, with many styles and practices to explore. Don’t force yourself into routines that don’t resonate with you. If you prefer dynamic flows, explore Vinyasa or Ashtanga. If you’re drawn to something slower, perhaps focus on Yin yoga or gentle Hatha. Here at Sussex Yoga, we offer a wide range of classes to suit different preferences and energy levels.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress in yoga doesn’t have to be about mastering complex poses or attending every class. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s finding a moment of stillness in meditation, deepening your breathwork, or simply showing up on your mat consistently. Recognising these achievements can help you maintain a positive, motivated mindset.

3. Listen to Your Body

Autumn brings a change in energy. As we move away from the high-energy of summer, your body might crave slower, more restorative practices. Honour this. Yoga is not about pushing yourself; it’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs. If you’re feeling tired or stressed, don’t hesitate to opt for a calming class like Yin Yoga or a short home meditation.

Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice in Autumn

A regular yoga routine offers numerous benefits, particularly during the seasonal change from summer to autumn. These include:

Boosting Immunity: As we move into colder months, our immune systems can weaken. Yoga can help strengthen your immune response by reducing stress and promoting healthy circulation.
Enhancing Mental Clarity: With the return of work, school, and busy schedules, staying focused and mentally clear is essential. Yoga and meditation can help improve concentration and calm the mind.
Improving Sleep: As the days get shorter, many people struggle with sleep. Regular yoga practice helps regulate the nervous system, leading to better sleep quality.
Balancing Energy Levels: Autumn can sometimes bring feelings of lethargy or heaviness. Yoga helps energise the body and mind, allowing you to maintain balance and vitality through the changing season.

Conclusion

Returning to a regular yoga routine after summer can feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, reflection, and reconnection. By setting clear goals, creating a schedule, and embracing a gentle approach, you can ease your way back into practice and reap the physical and mental benefits.

At Sussex Yoga, we’re here to support you on this journey. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to re-establish your routine, our classes are designed to meet you where you are. As we move into September, let’s embrace this time of transition and use it as an opportunity to deepen our commitment to our yoga practice and overall well-being.

Namaste, Angie at Sussex Yoga x