Finding Time for Myself: Lessons From the Stretch Your Limits Challenge

By Julia Collins
Owner and Founder, Soul Society Yoga

As we enter our fifth annual Stretch Your Limits Challenge, I’ve been reflecting on what this challenge really means to me and how I can stretch my own limits this November.

For me, it’s an invitation to try new classes and class times that I typically avoid (hello, 6 AM!). But this year, I’m thinking beyond classes — into the eight limbs of yoga.

  • How can I grow and improve my interactions with others (yamas)?

  • How can I grow and improve my interactions with myself (niyamas)?

  • What postures and yoga classes will help strengthen and align my body (asana)?

  • How can I incorporate more breathwork into my daily life and my classes at Soul Society (pranayama)?

  • How can I turn inward and focus less on external stimuli, calming my own mind (pratyahara)?

  • How can I dedicate time each day to focusing my mind (dharana)?

And in dedicating more time to those six above, perhaps I’ll get closer to the states of meditation (dhyana) and bliss (samadhi).

So in this blog — which has had its stops and starts — I’m beginning with number one: improving my interactions with others. That means you, my dear students, friends, and readers. This month (and hopefully beyond), I’m dedicating time each week to share my thoughts and musings. It’s one way I’m stretching my own limits — offering you more than yoga postures in the studio, and bringing more of yoga into your life off the mat.

Making Time to Stretch My Limits

I thought I’d start by sharing how I’m making time to stretch my limits — and some helpful ways I’m seeing our students plan theirs.

To be honest, I didn’t take class on November 1. And I’m okay with that. I dedicate time each weekend to my family and to mindfully preparing food, and that happened to be Saturday.

(Hint #1: Yoga doesn’t always have to happen on a mat.)

Sunday, I took a beautiful Heated Vinyasa class with Katie and planned my week ahead.

(Hint #2: Planning your schedule ahead of time helps you stay consistent.)

Monday was tricky. I taught two classes that morning, which left little time for one of my own. Yin with Alyssa was just what I needed. I used to balk at taking such a slow, “easy” class, but now my body and mind crave it. And it’s not always easy — being still is hard in a culture driven to move constantly. Yin is dedicated quiet time. It’s giving yourself permission to pause, turn inward, and focus less on external noise.

(Hint #3: Take classes you wouldn’t normally try — you might be surprised.)

Tuesday brought another challenge. My schedule didn’t align with our class times, but I did fit in a sauna and cold plunge session before teaching my 9:30 AM Heated Vinyasa. I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated afterward that I was more productive than usual that afternoon!

(Hint #4: Recovery Therapy sessions count toward your goal — and they’re a great way to carve out short but meaningful time for yourself.)

While I couldn’t take a yoga class at Soul Society on Tuesday, I did practice a 90-minute Hot 26 class in Crofton while my daughter had gymnastics. I prioritized myself instead of jumping on a long Zoom meeting. I simply told them I couldn’t join until 8 PM — and guess what? The meeting went on without me.

(Hint #5: Prioritize yourself. Often, things you think can’t function without you do just fine.)

Planning Ahead: The Power of Intention

Here we are on November 5 already. I’ve planned out my classes for the rest of the week, and I’ve noticed students doing the same — even mapping their classes for the entire month. Maybe they know they’re traveling and need to double up a few days. Maybe they know they’ll slow down later, so they’re front-loading now.

Whatever the reason, the most important thing is that we’re making time for ourselves. Classes are full, which tells me we can make time — we often just let life get in the way.

So I’ll leave you with this:
What keeps you from making time for yourself the rest of the year?

This month is your reminder that your practice doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be yours.

Julia Collins