Every now and then I don’t feel like going to yoga class, so I…

1. Go anyway.

This is usually what I do and I’m rarely sorry.

2. Take a day off.

3. Eat something.

If you regularly exercise or practice yoga, then you’ll find that some days you just need to recharge.

On rare occasions, I’ll stay home and make myself an omelet instead of unrolling my sticky mat, and when I do hit the studio, I’m ready to go.

4. Exercise off the mat.

This morning I hopped onto my Spinning bike—and I still practiced yoga (connecting what I’m thinking about with what I’m doing).

5. Exercise in a way that doesn’t feel like working out.

Dancing and cleaning are two great options.

6. Shake it up.

Consider skipping class, but trying an online podcast instead.

Yet another interesting way to change it up is to check out a different yoga style, teacher or time slot if possible.

7. Give yourself a break.

One of the most common questions that I get asked as an instructor and a practitioner is how often do you practice?

We get so hung up on how many times we’re on our mats each week—and, to be fair, some styles have traditional regulations—that we forget that our practice is supposed to be integrating and conncting the body, mind and emotions. In my humble opinion, we should be considering that if we really aren’t in the mood to practice that day that, one, it’s not the end of the world and, two, it might be good for us to take a break.

So, from my yoga-loving heart to yours, I hope you enjoy rekindling and discovering all of the other ways to get out into the world and practice yoga—no sticky mat required.

Photo credits: Author’s own; C-C-C-C-C-C-Cary/Flickr.

The post 7 Things to do When You’re Not in the Mood for Yoga Class. first appeared on Jennifer S. White.