Namaste to everyone, and hope you’ve all been having a great summer! As the days get shorter and we start to pay a little more attention once again to work and school, it’s hard not to feel the pressure of a busier schedule, especially when there’s less daylight to carry us through. Yoga is a great way to relieve the stress, of course, but what if you don’t have the time?

Though we might not be able to sneak away for a rejuvenating yoga class whenever we need that “boost,” it helps to remember that you don’t always have to do a full 1 1/2- to 2-hour session to benefit from yoga’s power. Even doing only a few poses here and there – or a quick series of Sun Salutations – can keep you going and leave you feeling energized.

To make taking a spontaneous “yoga break” even easier, I recommend owning two yoga mats and leaving one at home and the other either at work, at school, or in your car, if you have one; that way, you’re hopefully never without your own personal sanctuary in which to keep your yoga practice alive. Wherever you are, just roll out the mat and you’re there, for however long you can allow yourself to stay. (And if there are other people around, don’t worry: yoga is best when you keep your eyes closed.)

If you’re interested in learning more about how to make the most of your yoga time when you don’t have much to spare, stay tuned. I’ll be posting more in the coming weeks about what poses and exercises are most suited to a 20-minute session. Until then, remember: breathing deeply is one of the best ways to calm yourself down and relax… so when in doubt, just breathe.