Seasonal shifts and motivation loss
It’s summer—and believe it or not, we’re already halfway through the year! This season invites us to slow down, soak up the sun, and break free from our usual routines. It’s natural to say yes to spontaneous adventures, let go of commitments, and simply enjoy life as it comes. But while that freedom feels exciting and necessary, it can also quietly pull us away from practices and rhythms that once brought us joy—like yoga.
Noticing how summer affects yoga practice
During this time, I often see students step away from their regular practice. Some take a full summer break and return in the fall, while others drift away completely. As the temperature rises, our passion for inner work can cool off. That’s why this is a perfect moment to pause—and refresh your motivation.
4-step check-in
Here’s a gentle 4-step check-in to help you reconnect with your practice and intentions—with examples for each step:
Review – What’s going on right now?
Take a moment to gently observe how your days have been unfolding.
Perhaps your mornings are now filled with making breakfast for kids home from school, or you’ve been traveling on weekends and your usual yoga time has quietly slipped away. Acknowledge these changes without judgment—just notice what is.
Reflect – What has worked well? What hasn’t?
Look back on the first half of the year with curiosity. What supported your well-being? What felt draining or misaligned?
You might realize that your gentle Sunday evening stretch helped you feel calm and sleep more soundly, while that intense early-morning flow class left you feeling depleted. Recognizing both helps you realign with what truly nourishes you now.
Respond – How can you adjust with care?
This is the time to adapt your practice to meet your current needs. Be creative and compassionate with yourself.
You might try swapping a longer session for a 15-minute unwind after dinner, or take your mat outside and enjoy some movement in the shade. If time is tight, consider breathwork, mindful walking, or simply a few grounding poses during the day.
Reengage – What’s one small step you can take today?
Put your plan into motion—gently and without pressure.
Why not unroll your mat and stretch for just five minutes while your coffee brews? Or schedule one class this week that feels truly doable. These small, consistent steps can help reignite your connection to practice and carry you into the second half of the year with renewed energy.
And most importantly—be kind to yourself through this process. There’s no need to chase perfection. Practice is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to ebb and flow with the seasons, as long as you keep finding your way back—gently and with love.
Key Takeaways
- It’s natural for routines to shift in summer.
The warmth and spontaneity of the season often lead us to break from structure—sometimes causing our motivation or practice to fade. - It’s natural for routines to shift in summer.
The warmth and spontaneity of the season often lead us to break from structure—sometimes causing our motivation or practice to fade. - Your yoga or wellness practice can evolve.
You don’t need to stick to the same routine—small adjustments like changing the time, style, or length of practice can make a big difference. - Start small and build gently.
Reengagement doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. Even five minutes of mindful movement or breath can reignite your connection. - Kindness and compassion are essential.
Practice is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to ebb and flow—what matters is how you return, with curiosity and care.