Getting Back Into Your Yoga Routine After a Break

We’ve all been there—you’re in a great rhythm with your yoga practice, feeling strong, grounded, and consistent… and then life happens. Whether it’s a vacation, an illness, a busy season at work, or simply falling out of the habit, getting back into your yoga routine can feel harder than expected. If you’ve ever returned from a trip (like I just did) and found it difficult to pick up where you left off, you’re not alone!

Snapshots from my time in Hawaii with family—grateful for the memories!

The good news? Your practice is always there for you. Here’s how to ease back in with kindness, intention, and a little bit of strategy.

1. Start Small (Even Smaller Than You Think)

After a break, it’s tempting to dive back in at full intensity. But that can quickly lead to frustration, soreness, or even burnout. Instead, lower the barrier to entry—try a 5- to 10-minute session to simply reconnect with movement.

➡️ Try this: Unroll your mat, sit in a comfortable position, take a few deep breaths, and stretch for five minutes. If that feels good, maybe flow through a few Sun Salutations. If not, no pressure—you showed up, and that counts!

2. Set a “Comeback” Intention

Rather than expecting yourself to be exactly where you were before, set an intention that supports where you are right now. Maybe your focus is simply consistency over intensity, or maybe it’s listening to your body without judgment.

➡️ Try this: Before stepping on your mat, say to yourself: I am here to reconnect, not to prove anything.

3. Make It Easy and Accessible

If the thought of getting back to a full-length class feels overwhelming, remove the pressure. Keep it light and approachable—do a short, familiar flow, take a class with a favorite teacher, or even practice in your pajamas!

➡️ Try this: Schedule a 15-minute yoga session at a time that feels easy (morning stretch, post-work unwind, or even before bed).

4. Rebuild the Habit, Not Just the Practice

Yoga isn’t just about movement—it’s about making time for yourself. If your routine was disrupted, focus on re-establishing the habit first.

➡️ Try this: Set a reminder on your phone or pair your practice with an existing habit (for example, “After I make coffee, I’ll do 5 minutes of yoga”).

5. Be Gentle With Yourself

Coming back to yoga after a break can bring up feelings of frustration or self-judgment. Instead of focusing on what you’ve “lost,” celebrate the fact that you’re showing up. Your body remembers. Your practice will meet you where you are.

➡️ Try this: End your session with a moment of gratitude—thank yourself for returning, no matter what it looked like today.

Just Start Somewhere

The hardest part for me is often just rolling out my mat. Start small, be kind to yourself, and trust that your practice will fall back into place. Think about what drew you into yoga in the first place. Move intuitively with what your body needs right now, without judgement. The more you show up—even for just a few minutes—the easier it will become.

Have you ever struggled to get back into your yoga routine? What helps you reset? Let’s chat in the comments!