We had the good fortune of connecting with Ainhoa Acosta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ainhoa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

The 2020 pandemic gave me time to actually stop and start to consider other ways of working. Since then, give much more importance to resting time and periods of quieter activity.

I had six months where I couldn’t really work due to the pandemic restrictions so that enforced break was the perfect opportunity to re-assess some aspects of my life. Work/life balance was one of them. The 18 months prior to that were non-stop teaching. It was a constant running around building up a portfolio of venues and teaching engagements. When I looked at the financials behind that, I realised that taking on more short-term teaching commitments back to back didn’t necessarily mean better cashflow: often, the expenses of traveling to venues and the time spent preparing for classes decimated my fee. I was exhausted all the time (not great for a Yoga teacher) and hadn’t had a proper holiday in quite some time. I love what I do, but at some point I wished I didn’t have to do it so much. It was a pattern it took me a little while to recognise. I did when I finally had a closer look at what happened when I worked that way.

I found myself burnt-out twice a year with some minor, recurrent health concerns and the pattern was always the same: teaching over the weekends and very little time and energy to socialise. When I saw myself cancelling on plans with a close friend for a second time, I knew I had to face the fact that this wasn’t the life I wanted. The work kept coming in, but my quality time with loved ones was less and less. Several times  a week I got home really late in the evening. This didn’t allow for proper switching off time from work before going to bed or for quality time with loved ones.

So I made a decision: I gave up the late evening class and offered it to a trusted friend and colleague. I no longer work weekends (unless it is an event where I can then take two days off afterwards) and there is one full day in the week dedicated to reading, researching and thinking of the week ahead. My work phone is switched off after 6 pm and on weekends. That is non-negotiable for me. Every aspect of my working life (including the finances) improved. The perceived short-term loss of income was quickly offset by better- paid teaching commitments, better financial decisions and much better health and motivation. My energy levels quickly shot up again. It is a win-win and I strongly recommend any business owner to stop and think twice if they feel their personal life starts to suffer because of overwork. Ignoring it won’t resolve it, but setting priorities right will. Any high-activity period (which are inevitable) should be followed by some rest and time away from work, even if only for a day, That way we ensure we can be fully present and fit to deliver our best to our clients, partners and associates.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I am an Iyengar Yoga teacher and what had been my passion since an early age, became my full time occupation after I gave up my job as a Media Communications Professor.

The Iyengar method allows everyone to practice yoga safely, regardless of age, experience or physical condition. One of the things I am very interested in right now is in making it accessible to new generations of people. As time goes by and technology evolves, as lot of younger people have taken an interest in Yoga and spiritual practices: I think it is vital to the transmission of the knowledge that we teachers are able to pass on the timeless wisdom to people who now access this information through their phones and social media. Historically, Iyengar Yoga tends to have an older demographic among its student body (due to its therapeutic applications and health benefits, which ensures practice into advanced age) but I strongly feel we should make more of an effort to reach out to younger generations in order to keep the tradition alive.

The principles of Yoga never change, they are about the now: in our current society technology and communication channels have evolved very quickly. My experience and ability to make my classes relevant and exciting to all age groups sets me apart in a world where there are endless options.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I am in London , U.K. at the moment, as I have just returned from Denmark and I’m spending a few weeks here before my next trip. It’s a city with everything for everyone!

For Yoga, you should definitely go to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Maida Vale (now known as Iyengar Yoga London)- there you will find classes at all levels and the best Yoga teaching in the country.

Then if the weather is good, I recommend Kew Gardens in West London, the gastropubs in Chiswick along the river and once you head into town, you can get lost in Theatreland (Shafestbury Avenue)- dinner in one of the many restaurants in Soho or Covent Garden before or after a show is a must.
The Southbank will again surprise you various word-class venues such as a the Purcell Room, The National Theatre and the British Film Institute, with a great bars, coffee shops and a variety of restaurants dotted around the river bank within walking distance. Great for film buffs and culture lovers in general. Cross the river and then you can go to the Tate Modern and soak up contemporary art!

Towards East London, Bricklane is a super interesting place full of great Bangladeshi cuisine, arts and small creative businesses, close to the Spitalfields market, another must-see.

What I love most about London is that from here I can either go back to the States and spend time in New York City with loved ones (I love Harlem and how vibrant and current remains), or get on a plane and within two hours be in Europe. I am looking forward to return to the US in the next few weeks but London remains a great city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My mentors in my Yoga practice have all been key in helping me keep up and keep moving forward. There are several so I won’t mention them here but they know who they are.

My friend Tony is always a great soundboard when I need a different perspective, a creative mindset and the voice of reason. He is a great connector who often brings up something (or someone) that was there, but I couldn’t see.

Yorgo, another friend of mine who is well-versed in the challenges of being your own boss (he is an actor, director and film producer): I learnt from him the importance of ‘doing nothing’ days in order to keep creative and fresh and of believing in yourself before anyone else does. Ruben, another friend, merges together the vision of what can not yet  be seen with clear, practical financial and business nous.

My female friends: they are not only working women, they are also mothers, business women and friends/partners. I don’t know how they do it, but they do. Their ability to keep it all going amazes me,

All of them are people of integrity who support me in making decisions that will honour my vision and well-being.

Website: www.ainhoa-yoga.com

Instagram: @ainhoaacostayoga

Twitter: @yogawithainhoa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iyengaryogawithainhoa

Image Credits
Image credit: Tania Fallon (IYMV)

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