“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” Viktor E. Frankl

I noticed lately as a newbie to social media that it was becoming too much of a habit. I left my phone at home one day and I started to feel very anxious without it, like I was missing a part of ME. I started to question my usage and I was surprised to find that we Irish can check our smartphones apparently on average up to 57 times a day (Deloitte Survey, 2017). I asked myself how can that be and how had I survived before I had social media in my life? Well I did survive it, that was just the point. So I decided to put these 5 daily steps in place for myself to curb my over dependency on social media and I want to share them with you if you feel you need to cut back a little and find some balance.

1. Limit your usage
Try to allocate just a small number of hours a day usage. Viewing 1 hour after you wake up, to give yourself time to relax into the day, then at noon and in the evening time. Then switch it off.

2. What you post
Be mindful of what you post, what you reveal and it's impact on others. Using your posts to inform, educate and benefit others.

3. Awareness
Try this simple exercise of noticing how you feel each time you go on-line to view. If you start to experience any negativity, inadequacy or envy, or you are just looking to be validated, then it may be time to switch off for a while.

4. Switch off social media at meal-times/travel time and switch on to others
At meal times try to eat more mindfully allowing your body to rest and digest your food. When travelling start to observe your environment and tune into how you feel in the present moment, breathing slowly and mindfully.

5. Switch off 1 hr. before and during bedtime
Not just social media but all electronic devices from your bedroom. Try this for one night. Notice that when you give yourself space from stimulus activation, how your sleep patterns can improve, giving your mind and body a break. If you want to try this long term, you can invest in an alarm clock.

CONTACT ROSIE

1. Start teaching straight way
During teacher training, why not get a free class together with friends and family. Even family pets may want to join in or observe! Make it a fun learning experience for both you and your students. The sooner you start the better. When you become qualified get your yoga teaching insurance.

2. Have a plan
Create a vision of where you want to go in your teaching. Working for a studio, going solo or doing both. You can try and approach Studio Manager’s and ask them if you can go on their covers list. If you decide to go solo, you can book a community hall and keep your class prices low to tie in with the community ethos. You can promote your classes through social media, posters or by word of mouth with family and friends.

3. Be authentic & don't take it personally
It takes time to find your own style of teaching, so allow it to evolve. Accept that not everyone is going to like your style of teaching. Don't change to suit anyone else just be you.

4. Never stop learning
Keep up your own home practice as well as practicing your class sequences. Attend regular yoga classes and workshops to help in your own development. Never be afraid to seek guidance from some of your favourite teachers on teaching, they are always there to help.

5. Value your students
Each class you teach is unique, where you can learn something new about yourself and your students. You can start to keep a mental record of regular students, their names, any injuries or health issues they have, people love to be remembered and acknowledged.

6. Teaching environment
Create a warm, welcoming and encouraging space. In each class make your students feel secure by checking if there are beginners or if anyone with injuries/health issues. Know your contraindications and offer modifications and different levels in poses to those who need it. You can let people know you are open to questions and feedback after practice.

7. Self-care and your energies
Don't take on too much, listen to your gut and to your body if offers come in to teach. Before and after each class you can do a nice short meditation, whilst warming up your body before each practice and doing one or two nice restorative poses after each practice if you feel you need it.

8. Persistence & discipline
Yoga practice and teaching is a discipline. It can take time to build up your class or group so keep at it, have patience and don’t give up. Most importantly don't forget to have fun on your journey.

GOOD LUCK – NAMASTE