As yoga teachers, we know life isn’t always easy. And we know the importance of showing up with authenticity and presence. But what happens when our own lives feel unsteady? Whether it’s grief, stress, or personal challenges, those tough times demand both courage and compassion—from us and for us.

Let’s explore how to navigate those moments while continuing to hold space for our students.

how to teach yoga when life feels hard

Teaching yoga isn’t just about cueing poses or keeping time in savasana. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment for our students, even when our inner world feels anything but steady.

Life’s challenges—be it a personal loss, a global tragedy, or a sleepless night with a sick child—can leave us feeling drained. Yet these moments also offer an opportunity: to deepen our practice of vulnerability, resilience, and connection.

lessons for teaching yoga through tough times

Here’s what I’ve learned from teaching during some of life’s most difficult moments:

Be honest—with yourself. Acknowledge when you’re not at your best. It’s okay to feel shaky. It’s okay to not be okay. (But you may not need to tell your students about it.)

Let the practice hold you. Your yoga toolkit isn’t just for your students. Breathwork, mindfulness, and simply slowing down can offer much-needed support in moments of chaos. Lean on these tools.

Center your students. A beautiful truth: your students don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to show up with sincerity. Focus on them, not on being “on.” Keep them at the center, as the heroes. You’re just the guide.

tips for yoga teachers facing personal challenges

Whether your hardship is private or shared (such as during times of collective grief), having a plan helps you stay grounded. Here are some strategies:

Keep it simple. Reach for familiar sequences you know by heart. This allows you to focus on holding space rather than trying to remember a complex class plan.

Turn to supportive practices. Yoga nidra, restorative yoga, or breath-focused classes can create a nurturing environment for everyone—including you.

Set boundaries. Sometimes self-care means saying no or stepping back. Listen to your limits.

Plan ahead. Have a “back-pocket” class plan ready—a reliable, go-to sequence you can teach on autopilot. I call it “comfort food” for your teaching. Sign up for mine here:

let Sage plan your next yoga class

Feeling uninspired when it’s time to plan? I’m here to help!

Give me your email and I’ll send you my go-to class plan with ideas for every minute. This is the class I teach when my energy is low—but it’s the favorite of my students from 20 to 80 years old! I’ll even give you tips on how to adapt it for various class formats.

should yoga teachers share personal struggles?

Here’s a rule to avoid oversharing: when in doubt, leave it out. Most of the time, your students don’t need to know the details of your personal struggles. They’re there for their practice, not yours. If sharing feels necessary—for example, if it’s impacting your teaching—keep it brief and turn the focus back to them as soon as possible.

The energy in your class should flow one way: from you to your students. When that flow reverses—when your students are trying to care for you—you’ve stepped into the role of “antihero.” Avoid centering yourself during class. Your students are the heroes of their own yoga journeys. You’re there to guide them.

how to hold space for yoga students in challenging times

When life feels overwhelming, rituals can provide an anchor. The steady rhythm of a yoga class—moving, breathing, resting—offers a sense of normalcy and comfort for you and your students alike.

Remember: the act of holding space isn’t about fixing anyone, yourself included. It’s about creating a container where everyone feels supported enough to let go.

In the latest episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I share what I’ve learned about holding space for students during life’s hardest moments. From personal stories of grief and stress to practical tips you can use in your classes, this episode is a heartfelt look at how to stay present and authentic—no matter what’s going on in your life. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.