The Wellness Files: Shanna Tyler ● Why you need to use a planner

Welcome to The Wellness Files, a wellness-focused interview series featuring the badass ladies that inspire me. I’m super excited to finally launch this little project I’ve been working on behind the scenes!

First up is Shanna Tyler. I connected with Shanna thanks to instagram after she reached out to me with some questions about yoga teacher training — and now she’s almost finished with her 200-hour yoga teacher training. I’m seriously in awe of all she does. Read on to find our her secret to balancing YTT, work and grad school.

Hi!! I am Shanna, I wear a few different hats. I am a lifestyle/fitness blogger on shannatyler.com. I am a yogi and a yoga teacher in training. I also work in the mental health field while pursuing my master’s in social work.

▶︎ I know you’re currently doing yoga teacher training (!!) What inspired you to take the plunge to become a yoga teacher?

What inspired me to become a yoga teacher is my love for encouraging others to embrace themselves. In my own yoga journey, I noticed that I leave feeling stronger physically, emotionally and mentally. As a future teacher, I would love to foster that in my students, as well as just loving on them selves!

▶︎ You’re also in school right now and working. Seriously, how do you find the energy to do all of the above???

I really do not know! I believe it is because I am super passionate about each and every activity. I absolutely love the people I meet and the connections I have made in all of my interests. I love every aspect of connecting with people whether it’s on a mat, in a community, or in the mental health arena.

… And how do you manage your time to fit everything in?

My planner is my lifeline. I could not manage my schedule without it. Every Monday morning, I write down my activities and allot time for everything, including the commute from my personal yoga practice to my part-time job at the clinic to my gym or to yoga training. Taking the time to really write out my schedule is so vital for me to be realistic about timing and what I can/cannot fit in.

▶︎ Where does your motivation to lead a healthy life come from?

My motivation comes from my own life. I dealt with depression, anxiety and stress in the past. Because of that, I really make sure to take care of myself inside and out. Self-care is the most important part of what I want to do, which is working with others to care for themselves too!

▶︎ How has instagram played a role in your wellness journey?

Instagram is my inspiration. I meet so many people, such as you (Kayla)! I meet people who inspire me, who motivate me, who push me to be more and do more in my wellness journey. The sense of community in the wellness instagram world is real. From sharing recipes to posting workouts, we are so fortunate to have access to this right at our fingertips.

▶︎ What’s your go-to spot for a healthy meal or snack in NYC?

Sweetgreen! I recently discovered their pick up option and now hooked. Their kale caesar salad is the BOMB.

▶︎ What’s your proudest fitness moment?

My proudest fitness moment would be completing SoulCycle’s Turn it Up 20 a few months ago. It is completing 20 SoulCycle classes in 30 days. That was no joke. I even did doubles during the end to catch up!

▶︎ What work out, if any, are you currently obsessed with?

SoulCycle, hands down. I feel like I always will be. The smell, the instructors, the music, the mantras, all keep me coming back.

▶︎ When you’re tight on time but want a healthy, homemade dinner, what do you make?

I am the worst, but I literally have no time to make dinner with my schedule. If I am really tight on time, I have my tofu hot dogs and run out the door with them, wheatbun, mustard and all.

▶︎ What’s the last great book you read?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I found it via an Instagram blogger I follow and loved it. My last read was the second time and I plan on going back. The tips and the practical advice in it to changing your mindset and adjusting your thoughts are invaluable.

▶︎ What beauty products do you swear by?

Murad Toner, Cerave, and DevaCurl products for my kinky curls 🙂

▶︎ What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Loving yourself will help you love others.

▶︎ What’s one piece of advice you would give someone new to fitness + wellness?

Be kind to yourself! Not everything will come naturally or be easy, but that’s the fun of it. Laugh at yourself and tell yourself nice things because you are worth it.