Since Lucien was born, I’ve been fitting in my asana practice whenever I can–during his nap times, and, more recently, when Neil comes home from work.

Because I tend to be tired from the day by the time I unroll my mat, my practice has become more and more centered around restoratives.  Supta Baddha Konasana, and then a Supta Virasana. A series of forward bends. Yes, I do shoulder stand, but with a chair. I go up in headstand and stay there for a few minutes, but with the support of a wall.  In class, I practice my standing poses and backbends, but that is only once a week.

My body misses those active poses.

I knew the key would be to practice earlier in the day, but how to make the time?My friend and yoga teacher Marla Apt suggested I begin simply, by adding not a whole practice session but rather a pose or two or three after my morning meditation.

A handstand. Pincha Mayurasana. Some standing poses.

Who needs coffee?

So far, so good–minus a few days off for a bad cold. I’m spending 10-30 minutes in the morning on this energetic mini-practice before Neil goes to work. A doable commitment.  Which means on a good day, I am now practicing yoga twice a day, once in the morning, and again in the evening.

Want to join me?

Jessica Berger Gross is the author of enLIGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds with a Yoga Mat, Fresh Pineapples, and a Beagle Point