Finding Time for Self-Care in the Chaos

I used to think I had a solid grasp on self-care. As a yoga teacher for over a decade, I taught others how to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves. But nothing challenged my understanding of self-care quite like this first year in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

That year has been intense. Between lectures, labs, exams, and very little breaks, my schedule has felt like a never-ending sprint. I've been constantly juggling deadlines, trying to absorb complex material, and pushing myself to keep up with the demands of an accelerated, doctorate program. Somewhere in the whirlwind, my personal yoga practice, the very thing that had always grounded me, started slipping away.

At first, I told myself it was temporary. “I’ll get back to it after this exam is over,” I said. But exams came and went, and I still wasn’t rolling out my mat. I missed the quiet moments, the breathwork, the movement, but I couldn’t seem to carve out the time. And honestly, I felt guilty. All the while I was leading classes at the campus recreation center. But how could I teach others about balance and wellness if I wasn’t practicing it myself?

One evening, after a particularly grueling week, I found myself sitting on the floor of my apartment, exhausted and emotionally drained. I hadn’t practiced yoga in weeks. I hadn’t journaled. I hadn’t even taken a walk outside. That night, I decided to do just ten minutes of gentle movement. No expectations, no flow sequence, just breath and awareness.

Those ten minutes changed everything.

I realized that self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be small, intentional moments woven into the chaos. A few minutes of stretching between study sessions. A deep breath before walking into a lab. A quiet cup of tea without my phone. These moments reminded me that I’m not just a student, I’m a whole person who needs care, too.

What surprised me most was how much more empathetic I became toward my yoga students, especially those who only appear once a month to my weekly classes. I now understand the struggle of trying to prioritize wellness while managing a demanding schedule. It’s not easy, and it’s not always graceful. But it’s worth it.

As I reflect on this first year at Baylor University, I’m learning to redefine self-care. It’s not about perfection or consistency. It’s about showing up for myself in whatever way I can. Even if it’s just ten minutes on the mat.

If you’re in a season of life where everything feels like too much, I see you. Start small. Be gentle. And remember: self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.