Does your yoga mat feel more like a decorative item than a wellness tool these days? You’re not alone. Many busy moms start out with the best intentions – to move, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through yoga – but somewhere between preparing lunch, responding to email and picking up from school, that intention slips through the cracks.
As a mom, I know firsthand how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself. But I also know how life-changing a consistent yoga practice can be – especially in the chaos of motherhood. That sense of calm, grounding, and clarity is priceless.
So how can you actually stay consistent when your schedule is overflowing?
Let’s take a look at why moms struggle to keep up their yoga practice – and the 8 practical strategies that can help you roll out your mat again and again, even on the busiest of days.
Why it’s hard for moms to stay consistent with yoga
Even though motherhood is beautiful, it’s also very demanding. Your needs often come last. Between work, family, cooking, cleaning, and the mental load of running a household, it can feel almost impossible to prioritize your own well-being.
The most common obstacles moms face include:
- Lack of time
- Interrupted routines
- Unrealistic expectations (like needing a full hour of silence to “really” practice)
- Guilt for taking time away from the family
- Physical and mental exhaustion
But here’s the good news: yoga doesn’t require perfection. It simply asks for presence. And that can start with just a few minutes a day.
8 ways to maintain a consistent yoga practice
1. Schedule it like any other important appointment
Pick a day and time that realistically works for you – and protect it. Whether it’s 15 minutes before the kids wake up or right after school drop-off, put it in your calendar. Treat it with the same importance as a work meeting or doctor’s appointment. Talk to your partner or support system if you need help carving out this time.
2. Audit your time and use it wisely
Do a quick check: how much time are you spending on social media or watching Netflix non-stop? Could some of that be reallocated to yoga? Even just 10 minutes of mindful movement can boost your energy more than another scroll through Instagram.
Find strategies to make time for yourself here.
3. Invest in accountability
Whether it’s a local studio membership, an online class or course, paying for something can give you that extra push to show up. Think of it as investing in your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
4. Sprinkle yoga into your day in bite-sized moments
Yoga doesn’t have to be a full class – it can be woven into your daily rhythm. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time” to unroll your mat, look for mini-opportunities to move and breathe with intention.
Try simple stretches or isometric holds during everyday moments:
- Do a seated spinal twist while you’re at your desk or at the dinner table.
- Hold Chair Pose (Utkatasana) for 30 seconds while waiting for the kettle to boil.
- Take a few rounds of shoulder rolls and neck stretches in the car before school pick-up.
- Try a wall push-up hold while waiting for your toddler to put on their shoes.
You can also ground yourself with a quick 2-minute guided meditation while the baby naps or during a bathroom break.
These micro-moments help build consistency by making yoga part of your day, rather than something that needs to be scheduled in big blocks of time.
5. Create a dedicated yoga space at home
You don’t need a fancy studio setup. Just clear a corner of a room, roll out your mat, and keep your props nearby. Having a visible, inviting space makes it easier to step into practice – even if it’s just for a few minutes between chores.
Make it cozy with candles, essential oils, or items that inspire calm. Let your space remind you that you belong here too.
Prepare your own yoga mat cleaner using your favourite essential oils to keep your mat fresh and ready to practice. Check out my blog post about creating your own sacred space here.
6. Don’t underestimate the power of a 5-minute practice
If you keep postponing your practice waiting for you to finally wake up at 5:00 AM after a great night of sleep and jump effortlessly on to your mat for a full 90-minute session ready to give it all, something doesn’t add up.
It is better to keep the expectations low and do some yoga (asana, meditation, visualization or just breathing mindfully!) for a few minutes every day or every other day than hoping for the perfect conditions to come together for a full practice every once in a while.
Read more about the benefits of a 5 minute practice here.
7. Get honest about your excuses
We all have them. But instead of getting stuck in the guilt spiral, reconnect with your “why.” How do you feel after yoga? How does your mood shift? How does your body respond? Let the answers pull you back to your mat.
8. Choose yourself – without guilt
You deserve to feel good. When you care for yourself, you show up as a more patient, present, and joyful version of yourself – especially for your kids, your partner, and you. However, if you miss a day or even a week, be kind to yourself. Simply begin again.
Final thoughts: progress, not perfection
A consistent yoga practice isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about returning to yourself again and again – through movement, breath, and intention.
The truth is, you don’t need more time – you need more permission to prioritize yourself. And yoga is one of the most powerful ways to do that, even in the smallest of moments.
Ready to make yoga part of your daily life?
If you’re ready to actually make yoga a regular part of your busy mom life, I have something just for you.
Download my FREE toolkit: How to integrate yoga into your daily life
Inside, you’ll get:
- A short, beginner-friendly yoga class to do at home or work
- A reflection workbook to help you stay consistent
- Uplifting affirmations for busy moms
- A guided relaxation meditation you can do in just minutes
It’s simple, doable, and designed for real moms in real bodies with real schedules.
Click here to grab it now! You deserve this time.
