How to Stay Motivated Teaching Yoga While Working Full-Time

Yoga teachers, let’s talk about something we all relate to—finding the energy to teach yoga alongside a full-time job. It’s no secret that balancing these two commitments can be exhausting, but many of us push through because we feel a deep purpose to share the benefits of yoga with others.

Yoga has seen a remarkable evolution over the past 50 years. Once a niche practice in the West, it has now become a mainstream phenomenon. As yoga’s popularity grew, so did the number of qualified yoga teachers, which has inadvertently created new challenges. The increased availability of instructors has led to a saturated market, where yoga teachers often struggle to find classes and fair compensation. In fact, many teachers now work part-time, balancing their teaching with the demands of a full-time career.

This post is for those navigating that delicate balance—working full-time while striving to maintain your personal yoga practice and teaching.

Prioritise Your Own Practice

It’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting your personal practice, especially when you’re busy teaching. Many of us convince ourselves that demonstrating asanas during class is “good enough” practice, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. When we teach, our focus should be entirely on guiding our students. When we practice, our attention shifts inward—to our breath, movement, and personal growth. These are two separate worlds and should be treated as such.

Talking to other yoga teachers, I’ve noticed many of us experience this phase early in our careers—a blurred line between teaching and practicing. If you’re an experienced teacher, you probably know exactly what I mean. But if you’re new to teaching, remember this: your personal practice is for you, and your teaching is for your students. The two should complement, not replace, one another.

Create a Sustainable Schedule

Start by figuring out when you can carve out time for your own practice without interruptions. Is early morning practice before work the best option? Or do evening sessions before bed suit you better? You might find a mix of both works well—energising morning flows on some days and restorative evening yoga on others.

Once you’ve established your practice routine, consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to teaching. For many full-time workers, this might mean teaching just one or two classes per week—and that’s perfectly okay. Quality always matters more than quantity. Your students will appreciate a teacher who is present, energised, and fully engaged, rather than someone running on empty.

Set an Example for Your Students

By finding balance in your schedule, you not only protect your energy but also set an example for your students. Yoga isn’t just about the poses on the mat—it’s about living with intention, balance, and moderation. Respecting your limits and maintaining a sustainable rhythm honours both yourself and those you teach.

Remember, yoga is as much about what happens off the mat as it is about the physical practice. Prioritising your well-being allows you to show up as the best version of yourself—for your students, your job, and your life. Find your balance, embrace moderation, and let the principles of yoga guide you through the journey.

Your Schedule is Everything

Time management is essential if you plan to teach yoga while maintaining a full-time job. Without a clear understanding of your schedule and daily energy levels, it will be difficult to consistently lead yoga classes without burning out.

For example, you might think you can fit in an evening yin class after a 9-hour workday. But over time, you may realise that starting your week so exhausted leaves you struggling to get through the remaining six days.

Or perhaps Saturday mornings seem ideal because it’s the weekend, but after waking up early five days in a row to practice and go to work, sacrificing your Saturday mornings might leave you feeling drained or resentful.

It’s important to choose your class times wisely because your students will notice your energy, mood, and overall vibe. Take the time to reflect on your routine and figure out what works best for you.

Consider the time for sequence planning

You’ll also need to account for planning time when preparing sequences and themes for your classes. If you’re like me and prefer quick, spontaneous planning, it may not take long to put your class together. However, if you feel confident with a more detailed, structured approach, you’ll need to allocate additional time to create your sequences in advance.

The takeaway....

In the beginning, finding the right balance can feel overwhelming. Planning, teaching, and managing your time often involves moments of harsh reality—realising just how limited time can be.

But don’t be discouraged.

Over time, as you better understand your routines and teaching style, the process becomes easier and more manageable. If you’ve just started teaching and are figuring out how to carve out time for it, remember that perseverance is key.

Keep going—you’ll find your rhythm.