If I’ve said No to you recently I hope you know its with Love. Recently this has been the IN word in our house, NO (little side note question for you, when you say no in your narrative voice how does it sound? Angry, frustrated or kind and compassionate?) I am empowering my little people to say it strongly without it having a negative impact! Yessss it is hard when I ask them to do something and they look me dead in the face with a side smile serving of No!! but hear me out…
If you’ve ever been the type of yoga teacher (or human) who thinks it’s a sign of success to say “yes” to everything, trust me, I feel you. I used to believe the more I packed into my schedule, the more valuable I was—like somehow teaching 7 classes a day, 6 days a week, with a smile glued on my exhausted face was the ultimate display of dedication. Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s exhausting.
I used to think I was doing everyone a favour by pushing myself to the limit. I was like the Energizer bunny of yoga teachers, hopping from class to class, telling students to “breathe deeply” while silently praying that I wouldn’t collapse before my next session. And what was all that hustle for? I thought it made me “successful,” more worthy of praise or respect. But the reality? I was overworked, under-energized, and only a few classes away from burning out.
When Saying “Yes” Just Means You’re Too Tired to Say “No”
Here’s the thing: if we, as yoga teachers, are teaching our students about mindfulness, presence, and self-care, don’t we kind of have to practice it ourselves? How can I genuinely tell someone to “let go of what no longer serves them” when I was hanging onto every possible commitment, stressed and stretched thin? (I know, ironic, right?)
It hit me one day that if I didn’t get serious about boundaries, I’d end up as the teacher telling everyone to “find their inner peace” while secretly counting down the minutes until I could get back to bed. Let’s be real—no one wants a yoga teacher who’s faking calm or forcing a smile because they’re running on empty. That’s when I finally embraced boundaries and redefined what “success” looks like for me.
Let’s Talk Boundaries (and Why They Aren’t Just for “Difficult” People)
Boundaries can get a bad rap. Set them, and you’ll inevitably face some funny looks. Some people might think you’re being difficult or lazy, that you’re “too good” to teach seven days a week. But in reality, boundaries are the key to being able to give your best without burning out. They’re like a yoga mat for your mind—an intentional space you create for rest, presence, and actually enjoying life.
So, here’s how boundaries have changed my life:
1. Wednesday Afternoons Are Sacred: I gave myself the radical freedom of an entire afternoon off. Yes, off. Every Wednesday afternoon is now reserved for me-time Whether I’m binge-watching a guilty pleasure, catching up on admin (I know, thrilling), or just practicing yoga as a student, that time is mine. It’s like my mid-week reset, and it’s amazing how much more energy I have when I actually take a break.
2. Saying No to Instant Replies: As a business owner, I used to feel like I had to be “on” 24/7, responding instantly to every message. But living like that made me feel like I was constantly chasing my own tail. So, now I have a simple rule: if it’s outside my work hours, I’ll respond later. Social media is a tool, not my boss. And funny enough, giving myself permission not to reply right away has helped me show up more fully when I do engage.
3. Spending Less Time Comparing and More Time Caring: Social media is a double-edged sword. It can be great for business, but spend too much time on it, and suddenly I’m caught up comparing myself to every other teacher out there, feeling like I’m never “enough.” My solution? Strict limits. I have a time limit on social media and if I start spiraling, I log out. Simple. It’s not “being rude”; it’s called mental health maintenance.
Playing with Boundaries: An Invitation to Try Saying “No”
Here’s the fun part—boundaries aren’t just serious rules. They’re flexible. They’re personal. And they’re meant to serve you. Start by experimenting with one or two small limits. Maybe set a rule that after 7 pm, you’re done with work-related stuff. Or pick one day a week to do something you love, just for yourself.
If people look at you funny or question why you’re not as available as before, remember: it’s not your job to keep everyone else comfortable at the expense of your own well-being. In fact, it’s much better for your students if you show up with genuine energy and authenticity, rather than teaching through a mask of exhaustion. There’s no need to run yourself into the ground to prove your dedication. Success is about being present and energized, not simply busy.
Boundaries Are Not Barriers—They’re Bridges to a Healthier You
Boundaries aren’t about shutting others out; they’re about keeping yourself in. They’re about creating a space where you can be fully present, without feeling like you’re living on autopilot. When we start prioritizing what we need to stay grounded, we’re actually giving others permission to do the same. Imagine if all of us—students, teachers, parents, friends—let go of our busyness badge and embraced a slower, more thoughtful pace. That’s a world I want to be part of.
In the end, boundaries have been a way for me to rediscover the energy and joy in teaching. So if you’re still trying to “do it all,” just remember this: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” You can, however, pour from a well-rested, recharged, and joyfully balanced place.
What does your perfect day look like? and if anything comes your way that doesn’t align to that then you don’t have to do it!!
So here’s to all of us learning to say “no” so we can say “yes” to what truly matters. Let’s make boundaries a little less scary, a little more joyful, and definitely more celebrated. It’s not lazy, it’s not selfish—it’s essential. Give it a try. You might just fall in love with the freedom.
