When something reaches the zeitgeist, it already seems passe. It can be seen as a little bit silly, trite and trendy; but the essence of a thing can remain. It can still be a good thing or still be true. Once something becomes a cosmic joke or a collective meme, it seems like it’s a concept that’s already over. But all that said, microdosing your yoga can be very cool. It can get you high in the best of ways, and leaning into microdosing your yoga can bring much needed wellbeing into your life. A little dose can go a long way towards keeping your energy up and mellowing you out without making the full commitment to the long and winding road of an entire practice.

So, let’s look at what microdosing your yoga can look like. Following the concept that a little bit of a good thing can be great, yoga in small, almost homeopathic doses, can be freeing and revelatory. So many people feel that they are not really doing yoga if they do not do an entire practice. And some people never get to an entire practice so their yoga goes slip sliding away.

Here are some ways you can microdose.

Pranayama

Wake up late? Don’t panic. Microdose. You will actually create time for yourself if you stop, (and ideally sit), and take five to ten complete ujjayi breaths. Then start your day.  Doing this practice with intention, when you’re in tension, will set you up for a much better day. Taking these breaths in a moment of stress will teach you how focusing on your breath can create space and clarity, and calm your nervous system. Learn to do this breathwork in this situation, and you can use this little micro dose of breath anytime, anywhere, and you’ll be sailing.

Headed for a tense situation? Do five to ten rounds of alternate nostril breathing and it will blow your mind how quickly you become calm and peaceful. Reach for this little remedy and your nervous system will thank you all day. It’s a quick trick that is always right at hand. It’s a little marvel and miracle. Yes, everyone can see you are doing it if you are in public, but who cares. You’ll be flying high above them, hovering in the space between your breaths where life is good and the air is clear.

Salutations

Just three of these little beauties will change your life and set you free. How can something so little be so powerful? It’s one of the secrets of microdosing. This is big bang for the buck. Sure, you can do more, but if you don’t have the time, this is the ticket. It’s one of the secrets of the universe. Coordinate your breath with each movement. And whether you choose to do one each of salutation A, B, and C, or three D salutations, that alchemy is up to you. Why not try it every which way and follow your own flow on any given day. Salutations cover a lot of the range of healthy basic movement. They’re a great way to bring mobility to your spine and lubrication to your joints. They stretch long muscle groups and move the blood and lymph systems. Microdosing salutations energize you and support you with a resilient body. A little bit can go a long way.

Asanas

Think in terms of types of desired energy when dosing your asanas. Do you need a boost in strength? Do you need to relax? Do you want to stimulate your system? Although a balanced practice is desirable, you can juice your yoga by mixing your microdose of moods and modalities up.

Restorative Poses

A little micro from the restorative category, like legs up the wall or blanket roll relaxation, can really change your head. Think up when life gets you down and put your legs up the wall. All the stress that you have been carrying around can turn upside down and give you a lift that lasts for hours. This is one of the big bangs for the buck categories in a yoga practice and a little really does go a long way.