Image Credit: www.SylviaBrowder.com

Let’s face it, some days you just can’t get to your favorite yoga studio for your daily Vinyasa fix. Whether a busy day in the office, dreaded rush hour traffic or a family vacation, it can feel like the world is conspiring against your Zen. But don’t let the universe get you down. Instead, get creative with your practice and make it fit wherever you are.

According to Yoga Journal, Americans spends $2.5 billion dollars on yoga instruction each year. And now, thanks to modern technology, you can make it accommodate your busy schedule. From travel-friendly equipment to on-the-go resources, you can practice yoga wherever you are — even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

At the Office

Don’t skip out on your daily yoga session just because you’re working late. Just grab your iPad, and let technology be your guide. If you have the chance to take a lunch break, “Pocket Yoga” guides your practice with three different focuses, difficulty levels and durations to make 27 unique combinations. If you don’t have time for a break, “Yoga for Office Professionals” provides workplace-friendly poses that can be done from the comfort of your desk so you can refocus and re-energize.

In the Car

You made it out of the office on time and are on your way to your favorite post-work class when the freeway becomes a parking lot. But don’t fret. Here are several things you can do while strapped in and seated:

• Posture: First, focus on achieving good posture. Proper posture is the basis of your communication to yourself and has a lot of control over your attitude and thoughts. Take a deep breath, lift your heart and roll your shoulder blades back and down. If your head is past your chest, realign the spine by tucking your chin.
• Patience: Next, calm your energy by practicing patience. Control your breathing as you inhale and exhale through the solar plexus. Create even breaths on the inhale and exhale. Then, lengthen the breath on the exhale to induce a state of relaxation.
• Power: Finally, focus on power and strength through the core. Become aware of and engage your center as you maintain proper posture. Focus on tightening and releasing your abdominal muscles to create small, pulsing contractions in time with your slowed and relaxed breathing.

These three simple steps help you stay calm in the face of traffic while also strengthening your yoga skills. Need more guidance? Check out “Yoga in the Car with Jen Bloom: Bumper to Bumper” for a commuter-friendly audio guide.

Out of Town

Whether on vacation or on a business trip, travel can disrupt your regular routine, especially your health-driven habits. Half the battle is your state of mind, so plan ahead by finding a yoga studio or tranquil outdoor location nearby to fit in some practice. Pack your gear in a travel-friendly tote like the Gaiam Everything Fits Gym Bag, which makes for a great carry-on with plenty of room for your mat, gear, clothes and other necessities.

Sylvia Browder

Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.