Happy Motivation Monday! Did you think I had fallen off the face of the planet? I haven’t been around here for a full week, which wasn’t exactly planned … but wasn’t exactly unplanned either. As I mentioned in my monthly newsletter (you can subscribe here!), I’m going to be posting a bit less frequently … around 2-3 times per week instead of 3-4 times per week.
Many of my clients and potential clients have commented that it’s just too hard to read all of he content that I’m putting out. In the blog world, we can get so caught up in the need to publish frequently (and yes, I know that some of “the best” bloggers publish multiple times per day), but I’m realizing that that’s not right for me. When I look at the people who are commenting and reading every post … it’s other bloggers. I love the friendships I’ve made with other bloggers and I’m excited to continue building our friendships, but I want to make sure I’m offering my clients what they’re looking for. Plus, I put a lot of effort into each post, and I’ve lately been finding myself feeling like blogging could be taking away from hours I’d like to be spending building my business.
So … I’m going to try out a reduced-frequency schedule for a while (I’ll stick to Motivation Monday, Workout Wednesday, Foodie Friday, and 7 Tips Sunday, but will not hit each of those every week). Please feel free, as always, to let me know what you think, and offer any feedback you have!
Just Be
I’ve been working on being present in whatever I’m currently doing. As someone who loves being productive and used to pride myself on being a great multitasker (until I started to believe the studies saying multitasking is technically impossible), just being present is a challenge for me. As I’m engaged in a routine task, I’m constantly searching my phone, reading something, running through my to-do list or schedule mentally, or thinking about what I’m going to do next. Not only is this inefficient, it’s also draining on your brain and leads to feeling stressed, exhausted, and scattered. Check out this Forbes article claiming that multitasking is worse for your brain than smoking marijuana or losing a night’s sleep! (I plan to try the Power Hour concept they mention). (picture source)
Even beyond multitasking, there is huge value in just breathing, being still, and being present in the moment. It’s restorative, relaxing, and healthy. It’s challenging for me, but it’s something I am working on. I encourage you to work on it, too – whether it’s methodically single-tasking, consciously reminding yourself to be present, meditating, or anything else, try to be present this week. After all … we are human beings, not human doings!
MyYogaWorks Review
One way that I practice being present is through yoga (remember when I talked about the benefits of yoga for your health?). Even though I can’t generally let my thoughts wander on runs (instead, I almost always listen to podcasts or audiobooks), I am often able to focus on being present through yoga. Something about the combination of breath, movement, and flow really helps me stay in the moment. Of course, sometimes my thoughts wander throughout class, but even if I’m able to achieve mental calmness for a few minutes, it’s incredibly restorative for me.
I recently got the opportunity to try MyYogaWorks, which offers membership-based access to hundreds of online yoga classes that viewers can stream from anywhere in the world and do wherever they are (perfect for hotel rooms!). I received a free 3-month trial in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions are my own, as always.
So what did I think? Well, there are several great things about MyYogaWorks, but I’m not sure it’s the perfect fit for me. Here are a breakdown of some of the pros and cons I found with MyYogaWorks:
Pros:
- Well-designed website that is easy to navigate and use
- Huge variety of classes … anywhere from 5 to 90 minutes, several types of yoga, several areas of focus, and three levels to choose from
- Great explanations and focus on technique: Even if I was unfamiliar with a pose, the explanations were easy to understand and implement, and the focus on technique was impressive
- No equipment required: All you really need is a yoga mat (or a towel) and a small bit of space, so you can do these workouts anywhere
- Brings yoga to the masses: MyYogaWorks allows access to many classes for a low price ($45 for 3 months), and allows the viewer to do yoga anywhere, anytime, without going to class or feeling intimidated.
Cons:
- No music: Although the teachers spoke in relaxing tones and guided you through the poses well, the lack of music made the yoga session feel much more like a private yoga lesson than a true yoga flow. I almost felt like the instructor was watching me, rather than feeling like I was flowing through movement and truly relaxing or finding my flow.
- Less challenging than I had hoped: I certainly have not tried all the classes (not even close!), but even the 50-minute advanced-level class I tried (called “Go Flow”) left me without a drop of sweat on my body. That’s not to say it didn’t include poses that were challenging (I haven’t ever mastered one-legged crow, which was included), but the overall flow left me wanting a bit more.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend MyYogaWorks to a beginning yogi, someone who travels frequently, or someone intimidated to start off in an in-person yoga class. I am excited to try several more classes from MyYogaWorks, but will also continue to use my previous go-to, YogaDownload.com, which offers classes that flow better to me personally.
One Free Month for YOU!
Want to try MyYogaWorks for yourself? Just use the promo code “bloggermonth” to get one free month of access – and let me know how you like it!
So tell me in the comments … What do you think about my new blogging schedule? Have you ever tried MyYogaWorks? Do you struggle with being present, or have any tips to share?
It is so easy Megan to be all over the place. I have often found myself trying to do everything and then at the end of the day. What I really wanted to happen fell by the way side. Being fully present is a wonderful reminder that we as women need because we juggle a lot of roles and hats. I believe we were created that way. But you’re right just slow down…thanks!
No problem, Milan! Glad it helped! I think you’re doing a great job at juggling everything you have going on. Keep it up!
Good for you for listening to your audience (and yourself) and stepping back a little bit. First and foremost we must have harmony with ourselves. You’ll probably start seeing that your content is even better because of it!
Thanks, Lori! Yes to harmony with ourselves – and your advice on meditation is slowly but surely helping me with that!
Meant to tell you, I’m back on the Bikram horse and plan to keep going regularly until we go on vacation in October, so if you ever want to go to a class and want company, let me know and we can match up schedules! I think you said you’ve done Bikram before, but if not, it’s awesome and very different from any at-home yoga — 105 degrees, 90 minutes, 26 postures.
Thanks! Like I told you, I do love Bikram (and used to do it in Boston), and would love to go, but I have a 3 month membership at Uptown Yoga now. Maybe sometime in the future … just one more fitness program you’ll get me into :).
I think that the “right” amount of blogging is different for everyone! Its important that you find an amount that works for you, and it can always change! I used to blog a few times a week but now that i have more time I have been posting almost every day. I will probably go back to a few days a week once the school year starts again.
I had been doing “Reflexion yoga” online classes which I liked but I have found I get more out of going to classes at a studio. Its definitely more convenient to do them at home but I struggle with getting into it when I am at home and easy give in to distractions!
I know! You churn out a ton of great content, Lisa. Keep it up! I’ve heard of Reflexion yoga but have never tried it. I agree that I get more out of going to a studio – it’s not necessarily that I get distracted, it’s just sometimes harder to get into that truly relaxed state when I’m at home!
I totally agree with the reduced frequency thing… it takes the pressure off and makes each post more fun and less of a chore!
Yes! I’ve been loving blogging a ton again over the past 2 weeks – and that’s how it’s supposed to be!
Great minds! I was just thinking this weekend how much I enjoy just being. Rethinking things and priorities and doing a little more for me to just be.
So glad you’re re-thinking this, too, Jill!
i feel ya! i post 2-3x a week, and that’s still a lot! haha. thanks for the yoga works info, would love to check them out. xxoo
Wow, I guess I’ve never paid attention, but I never realized you “only” post 2-3 times per week. That makes me feel better :). Ultimately, it’s all about what works for each one of us, right?
Proud of you (and good for you!) for stepping away and doing what it is right for YOU. We will always be here to read… even if you decide to post a recipe on Monday 🙂 I have been really trying to get more yoga in my life or at least more stretching. After CrossFit I make sure that while I am chatting I am stretching. I also have been making myself foam roll. I’ve just been finding it too difficult to actually get to a class but am intrigued by this online option.
Thank you, friend! I bought a 3-month membership to a yoga studio to force myself to go (and I love it), but on most occasions, online options like this (or at least some good foam rolling) are what keep me going strong! Hope you’re getting in some stretching / yoga / foam rolling!