As I wrap up the eighth week of my Bikram Yoga Teacher Training and head into the final week, I've developed some unique (and admittedly quirky) rituals that have become my lifeline. These aren’t habits I usually practice back home, but in the intense heat and pressure of training, they’ve become essential for my sanity and survival. Here’s a glimpse into my top five:

1. A Hot Cup of Salt Water Before Bed
You might be wondering why anyone would voluntarily drink salt water, especially before bed. Well, in the world of Bikram Yoga training, hydration and mineral balance are crucial. A hot cup of salt water is my nightly ritual to stay on top of my game. It might sound bizarre, but it works wonders for keeping those leg cramps, numbness, and tingling sensations at bay. Who knew a hot saline sip could become a bedtime staple? (P.S.: Don’t reach for table salt—I use Biogreen's Live Sea Salt with 84 Types of Minerals and Trace Elements.)

2. Craving Salt? A Teaspoon of Vegemite Does the Trick
It’s my go-to solution for those sudden salty cravings. To quickly satisfy this salt fix, I reach for a teaspoon of Vegemite straight out of the jar and lick it like it’s the last piece of chocolate on Earth. It’s an acquired taste, but in the sweltering training environment, it’s my secret weapon against the salt-depleting sweat. Vegemite is a great source of B vitamins and is rich in minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, and selenium.

3. The Essential Wall Walk Before Morning Class
Every morning before heading out for the hot class, I perform a wall walk in my room just to get the blood flowing and to remind myself that, yes, my body can still bend despite the stiffness accumulated from the intense training. It’s a quirky pre-class ritual that gets me psyched up and ready to face the Bikram heat.

4. My Xtend BCAA + Electrolytes Comfort Drink
In the hot room, the temperatures and humidity can be brutal. My saving grace? A cold bottle of water mixed with Xtend The Original BCAA + Electrolytes powder. This concoction has become my comfort drink, my oasis in the Bikram desert. It’s not just about hydration; it’s about finding a moment of cool, refreshing relief in the midst of the heat. Plus, it tastes pretty darn good. (Strawberry Kiwi Splash is my favorite.)

5. Tucking the Towel: Neatness Counts
Before each hot class starts, I make sure the excess towel at the sides of my mat is neatly tucked under. It might seem trivial, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about having everything in order. Maybe it’s my way of bringing a bit of control into the chaotic, sweaty, and steamy environment of the Bikram room. A tidy towel equals a tidy mind—or so I like to think.

Conclusion: Embracing the Quirks
These rituals aren’t something I practice in my regular Bikram Yoga sessions back home. But here, in the thick of teacher training, they’ve become my quirky coping mechanisms. They may seem odd, but they make me feel good and help me navigate the intense journey of becoming a certified Bikram Yoga teacher. As I head into the final week, I’m holding onto these little habits tightly—they’re my anchors in the heat and the sweat.

Have you developed any quirky rituals to get through intense training or challenging times? Share your stories—I’d love to hear them!