Keeping a practice going through the festival season

Between Navaratri in October and Pongal in January, many of our members find their practice slipping. There are late nights, travel to family in Madurai or Chennai, heavy festival meals and early morning pujas. That is normal, and it does not mean starting from zero in February.

First, use the pause. Members can pause their membership for up to 30 days a year, so if you are away for Deepavali or the Christmas holidays, pause it from the app rather than paying for classes you cannot attend. It restarts the day you return.

Second, shrink the practice instead of dropping it. Fifteen minutes in the morning with five sun salutations, a few standing postures and five minutes of breathwork keeps the habit alive. Our teachers have recorded a short sequence that members can follow at home; ask at the desk for it.

Third, adjust after heavy meals. Wait at least two to three hours after a large meal before practising, and choose gentler classes such as stretch and mobility or the Sunday meditation circle in the days after a big festival. When you come back, book two or three beginner hatha or pranayama classes before returning to vinyasa or strength for yogis. Tell your teacher how long you were away, and they will suggest where to start. Most members feel at home again within a week.