Getting to Know Megan:

Yoga, Humor, and Mental Health

I sat down with Megan, a newly certified yoga teacher and stand-up comedian, to chat about how her background in social work shapes her approach to teaching, her experience with yoga teacher training, and how humor finds its way into her practice. Megan’s passion for yoga and wellness is matched only by her playful spirit, which shines through in everything from her lighthearted social media presence to her insights on the importance of slowing down.

Constance: Hey, Megan! Thank you so much for being here today. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking being an election day, but I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.

Megan: Thanks for having me! I’m happy to be here.

Constance: So, first things first—how does it feel to be a certified yoga teacher? This is your first year, so I’d love to hear more about your experience so far.

Megan: It feels amazing! This has been a goal of mine for a couple of years. I kind of stumbled upon the YogaHour teacher training last year, and it was a great starting point. But honestly, it’s just the beginning; I have so much more I want to learn and explore in yoga. It’s a humbling process realizing how little I know about this practice.

Constance: Absolutely! I think if you’re doing it right, you’ll always feel that way. We were in the YogaHour teacher training together last year, and I’ve described that experience as like being in a pressure cooker because of how rigorous and thorough it is. Was there anything that surprised you about learning to teach during that time?

Megan: Definitely. One of the biggest surprises was how everyone comes to yoga for different reasons. I initially sought yoga as a way to navigate my mental health, and I found others in our class with similar reasons, but there were also people who were focused on alignment or the spiritual aspects. It was eye-opening to see such diverse motivations in one group, and it reminds me that each class is filled with individuals on their own unique journeys.

Constance: That’s such a beautiful takeaway. And since you're both a yoga teacher and a social worker, what’s one tip you have for bringing more mindfulness into everyday life, especially for people who are super busy?

Megan: My biggest tip—and the thing that’s helped me the most—is trying to do a guided 5-minute meditation at the start of my day, as often as I can. It helps me slow down, and I’ve noticed that on days when I do those 5 minutes, my mind is just a little more likely to come back to the present moment throughout the day. Not necessarily easily, but easier.

Constance: That’s so helpful! I think so many people would benefit from even just a few minutes of slowing down in their day. Speaking of slowing down, is there a particular pose that really helps you with this or one you’ve grown to appreciate more over time?

Megan: Shavasana, honestly. It used to be really challenging for me because I found that lying still on the ground was so hard. I wanted to get up. I wanted to end the class on an active note and walk out the door. I didn’t want to lay on the ground and take in the practice. But now, I find I enjoy Shavasana so much more and actually look forward to it. It's become more of a meditative experience for me.

Constance: I love that. And what do you think got you over that hump?

Megan: Practicing it. Just practicing it. And I feel like yoga teacher training helped too—we did a lot of Shavasana, including very long ones. The consistency of that has made a difference.

Constance: That’s wonderful. Now, I have to ask—since you're also a stand-up comedian, does your humor ever find its way into your yoga classes?

Megan: Absolutely! Comedy really helps with teaching, too—I know how to lighten the mood at the right moment, and the confidence to speak in front of others comes from my experience in comedy. I think it’s so important to make people feel comfortable and to keep things lighthearted, especially since some people feel intimidated by yoga at first.

Constance: That’s incredible! And since you wear so many hats—yoga teacher, social worker, comedian—how do you keep yourself grounded? Is there a mantra or a funny phrase that helps you see the humor in things?

Megan: It’s not necessarily a funny phrase, but it helps me see the humor in the moment. If things feel overwhelming, I’ll just say to myself, “This is crazy.” It makes me laugh and puts things in perspective. Life can be so absurd sometimes!

Constance: I totally agree. Who would’ve thought, “This is crazy” could be a mantra! Before we wrap up, do you have any tips for someone thinking about starting yoga teacher training?

Megan: Definitely! Be prepared for exhaustion—especially if you’re balancing a full-time job and weekend training. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to relax. If your training involves studying, which most of them do, I recommend studying consistently rather than cramming. Also, research different programs to find one that aligns with your goals. You don’t need to have a certain amount of practice before starting; even beginners can benefit from training. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of yoga, find community, or even just to learn more about yourself.

Constance: Such great advice, Megan. It’s been a pleasure talking with you today!