Practicing Yoga At Home

CREATE THE SPACE

This can be SO tough, but is necessary if you want an enjoyable practice. Decide if you need technology or not (YouTube or anything audio would likely need TV, laptop, or phone). You can find a realm of apps and channels that offer exercises and meditations or music you might want to use. However, never doubt the power of a good yoga book near by; or even better, just listening to your body and how it is asking you to move.

Personally, I dislike electronics around me when I practice at home. I just roll out my mat, keep my bolster near by, and let my body lead. I always gravitate to a restorative style, my body loves to lounge. But maybe your body wants more, so don’t be afraid to stand up, and maybe explore some sun-salutation flows or move at a quicker pace.

When choosing a place in your home, you don’t need a big space, just enough for a yoga mat and the ability to stretch your limbs in all directions. It might be a sacred space you are able to set up and leave there, or it might need to be a sliver of space on the bedroom floor to roll up afterwards. It does not matter! Just find a spot that you can claim, uninterrupted for 30-60 minutes.

I enjoy a space that is warm (but not too hot), where I can open a window a wee bit for fresh air, and that SMELLS GOOD. If you have essential oils at home, or a natural room spray, this is a great time to make use of them. I love orange/tangerine, something citrus-like and uplifting, but if you want to relax go for lavendar, if you want something grounding try sandalwood or patchouli, if you want something clean and antibacterial try tea tree oil.

Gather everything you need, set up  your space, and then:

TELL OTHERS TO LEAVE YOU ALONE

Pick your time, and make sure others in the home know you need some space to enjoy your yoga practice. Put on a timer if needed. If you have pets or children who are going to interrupt, close the door, or try to find something to keep them entertained for 30-60 minutes without you. If you can incorporate them into your practice, go for it!

SEQUENCING YOUR CLASS

Every yoga class has an order to it, and now you get to decide how you want to break up your practice. Here’s a few tips:

1. Start with a breathing pattern in stillness
2. Move into the yoga stretches and movement
3. End with a relaxation

When choosing your stretches focus on the 6 movements of the spine (forward bend, back bend, side/side, twist/twist. Then add in exercises according to what your body needs (hip openers? heart openers? leg work? detox?).

DO YOU NEED PROPS?

Likely, you do not “need” props, but there are always things around the house you can use to add to your practice. A tie to help with leg or arm stretches. A rolled up towel under the neck for comfort. A rolled up blanket under the knees to ease back strain. An eye pillow for your relaxation. You might even cover up and end with a nice long yoga nidra. If you have a yoga bolster you could use that under your knees, or use for supported backbends, or other restorative style stretches.

SUMMARY

What is your favourite thing about yoga? Incorporate that into your home practice. Find inspiration online, in books, or classes you’ve taken in the past. Remember a little goes a long way, and even just a few deep breathes sitting on the couch can be helpful. A few stretches as you stand at the kitchen sink, or as you climb in and out of bed in the morning. Blend it into your day, however you can. Yoga is so accessible! No excuses 😉