If you want to incorporate sustainable wellness habits into your routine in 2025, focus on mindfulness and self-care. Anshuka Parwani shares some tips on how to do just that.
Every January, we are overwhelmed with the idea of ”New Year, New Me.” And I get it—there’s something magical about starting over. But let’s be honest: how many times have we all set ambitious goals, only to find ourselves back in the same routine by February? This year, let’s try something different. Instead of going all out and burning out, how about creating a yoga routine that’s not just inspiring, but sustainable? Yoga isn’t just about twisting your body into fancy poses—it’s about expressing yourself in small, meaningful ways every day.
Here’s the thing: Your yoga practice is yours. There is no universal procedure. Some days you may want to do an intense flow with Warrior Poses and Planks. Other days you can just sit on the mat and breathe.
How can you incorporate sustainable wellness habits into your daily routine?
Here are some sustainable health habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to stay healthy and fit:
1. Start simple
Here’s a simple framework to get you started:
1. Warm-up (5 minutes): Relax with gentle stretches. Joint or cat/cow twists, pigeon pose, gentle twists, etc.
2. Movement (10 minutes): Add some dynamic poses like Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I) or Surya Namaskara.
3. Savasana (2-3 minutes): Lie down, close your eyes and just breathe.
If you are pressed for time, even a couple of rounds of Surya Namaskara can do wonders.
2. Incorporate pranayama into your practice
Pranayama is a powerful part of yoga and is often forgotten. When life gets hectic (and let’s face it, it always does), your breath can bring you back to center.
One of my favorites is Anulom Vilom, or Alternate Nostril Breathing. It’s very simple – just close the right nostril, inhale through the left, then close the left nostril and exhale through the right. Repeat this cycle for several minutes. It’s amazing for calming your mind and balancing your energy.
3. Include warm-up exercises
Yoga and Ayurveda go hand in hand—they are both about balance. January can feel cold and hard, so incorporate warming practices into your routine.
- Start the day with warmth: Drink warm water with lemon or ginger to wake up the digestive system.
- Add spices to dishes: Think turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper, all of which are great immune boosters.
- Try Abhyanga: This is an Ayurvedic self-massage with warm sesame oil. It is grounding and helps calm the nervous system, especially in winter.
4. Determine the intention
Instead of setting resolutions like “I will do yoga every day,” try setting an intention. Ask yourself:
1. How do I want to feel this year?
2. What habits will help me achieve this?
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For me, 2025 is about slowing down and making time for what really matters, whether it’s five minutes on my mat or just pausing to take a deep breath in the middle of a busy day.
Keep these things in mind!
- I’ll be real with you: life will get in the way. You’ll miss a day (or week) and want to give up. But here’s what I’ve learned: Yoga isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up when you can, however you can.
- Make it easy on yourself. Roll out the mat at home. Find an online class if you can’t get to a studio. Create a small yoga corner with a mat, candle or plant – a place that feels inviting.
- And if you miss a day, don’t worry. Just go back to your mat the next day. The beauty of yoga is that it is a journey. You don’t have to touch your toes on day 1 or master a headstand by the end of the month.
- Celebrate small victories: feeling a little stronger, sleeping better, or just finding time for yourself.
In 2025, let’s do yoga that brings joy, not stress. Let’s make space for self-care, for movement and for silence. Let’s embrace the idea that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present. Here is the year of strength, balance and inner peace. Let’s do it, one breath at a time.
