We’ve heard famous Yoga guru’s Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar stress on the importance of Yoga teachers having a strong practice. All teachers start out having dedicated daily practices, but at times poor time management leads you to spend less time on the mat. So get back to your mat and practice, go back to the earliest lessons you have learnt. Start making time for your daily practice and that simple step will motivate you to teach your next class.

One of the best ways Yoga teachers can stay motivated is by taking a different class with a different teacher or a different style.  Approach these classes as a student/practitioner than as a teacher and open yourself to imbibing the inspiration. Make it a habit to plan these classes into your monthly schedule. Not only is this an investment to your profile as a teacher, but also a useful tool for your own personal growth.

Mix things up from your regular routine of Vinyasa Flow or Hatha Yoga class and throw in a theme. There are plenty of themes you can choose from, such as – hip openers, back bending, chakra themes, seasonal themes – spring, summer, winter & fall and themes around gratitude, love & reflection. The choice of themes are endless. Let your creative juices flow and chose a different theme to create your future classes.

Go back to being a student again. There is always a new technique, new style, or an innovation in the world of Yoga. Get curious, read up and take that course to learn and become inspired again. Use the knowledge from your new course to help you create new classes.

Here’s a secret from some of the most creative Yoga Teacher’s – they try every new fitness fad, be it Zumba, Plilates, HIIT, Spinning or even Crossfit. Every form of fitness infuses new energy and you learn something new about the core idea behind that form of fitness. Experiment and maybe through this you could be the one to invent the next new style of fusion Yoga

At times, lack of motivation may simply be exhaustion. Maybe you’ve been working too much by teaching way too many classes in a week. This strain can become evident when you run out of motivation and you may need to take a break from teaching your full weekly schedule. Ask a good substitute teacher to step in for you and get away. Maybe a mini break with no things Yoga can help you refuel on motivation.

Turn to technology for help . Use Pinterest for Yoga inspiration, yoga quotes and many articles. Create your own board and have your class ideas stored through pins.  Install apps on your phone such as daily inspirational /motivational quotes. Pick a quote that you resonate with and share it with your Yoga students.

As a Yoga teacher, you have an important role to inspire your students to reach their fullest potential as Yogi’s.  Teaching any class without being motivated will show very easily and can make your students demotivated. So stay inspired and motivated because only then can you inspire and motivate.

Adithi Mathews is a 500 Hr CYT,yoga practitioner and writer living in Germany.