How to start practicing yoga at home

We are creatures of habit, so we must try to focus on good habits. One of these might be, guess what, practicing yoga at home! In fact, our home is the area where we feel most comfortable, so why not create a space dedicated to our yoga practice?

Yoga at home has advantages-it allows you to schedule your yoga practice whenever you want and without time constraints. If you have already practiced yoga, you probably already know its many benefits, such as increasing flexibility, managing stress, and improving sleep. Practicing yoga at home, can help you improve your mood, increase your strength and feel more confident. When you practice yoga at home, there is also the benefit of eliminating external distractions, which is a fundamental principle of yoga. Practicing and meditating in the solitude of your own space allows you to focus more on yourself.

Below are some ideas on how to set up your yoga area, the yoga accessories you will need, and some beginner asanas to start your yoga journey at home.

 

 

 

Why create a special space for yoga at home?

If you have already practiced yoga, you probably already know its many benefits, such as increasing flexibility, managing stress, and improving sleep. Practicing yoga at home, can help you improve your mood, increase your strength and feel more confident. When you practice yoga at home, there is also the benefit of eliminating external distractions, which is a basic tenet of yoga. Practicing and meditating in the solitude of your own space allows you to focus more on yourself,

 

• Surround yourself with plants to create a relaxing environment, and ideally reconnect more easily with nature.
• Tidy up the room to eliminate any items that might distract you in any way
• Limit electronic devices to only the one device where you are following the practice (if you need it).
• Maximize comfort with pillows: keep a bolster to sit on or to place behind your back or under your knees for optimal comfort during meditation or savasana. Also keep a blanket, socks or a light sweater available during savasana, when the body begins to cool down.
•  Create an atmosphere with soothing lights perhaps using a salt lamp.
• If you have it available place a mirror as sometimes it can be useful to check if our asanas are correct.

 

Yoga accessories for yoga practice at home 

You don't need many accessories, all you need is a yoga mat, if you want yoga blocks, a yoga strap for support to get into some asanas better. A blanket and a bolster for meditation.

 

Are you a beginner? Choose the style that suits you best

Now that you have recreated a suitable environment you can start with your yoga practice session at home. You can start with a vinyasa flow but reshaped at your own speed, or a restorative type of yoga, an Iyengar yoga. Whatever you decide to start with do it at your own pace and level and without overdoing the movements. 

Here are some very famous asanas to get you started:

1. down facing dog (adho mukha svanasana).
This pose stretches the hamstrings and strengthens the limbs, as well as promotes blood flow to the brain. Begin on hands and knees, holding wrists directly below the shoulders. With your toes curled, push your hips back and straighten your legs, trying to keep your heels as close to the ground as possible. Breathe deeply and, if you feel a stiffening in your calves, "pedal out" of the dog by alternating knee bends. Stay here for a few breaths before continuing with the flow.

 

Follow a regular yoga routine at home

It is important to remember that implementing small changes in your yoga routine at home will have a big impact. Now that you have taken the time to create the necessary space, it is important to be prepared for any obstacles that will prevent you from having a regular yoga routine at home. Here are some tips for keeping your home practice alive.

Set your intentions

There is nothing more beautiful than accomplishing a goal you have set for yourself, especially if it involves health and wellness. Make it clear with yourself why you want to have a consistent yoga routine and write it down so you can remind yourself of your intentions when you are tempted to skip.

 

Create a weekly schedule for your yoga practice 

Give your home yoga sessions the same importance as those you would have attended at an in-person shala. Put them in your schedule weekly, set an appointment in your smartphone calendar, and do your best not to miss it.  

Prepare the room for the yoga session

Already prepare the room set up for the practice so you don't waste unnecessary time, perhaps looking for your yoga mat or yoga brick, which could be an alibi for skipping the session!

 

 

 

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