Yoga is about finding inner peace in all circumstances. But sometimes, inner peace can use a little help…
In the forest, on mountain tops, and on the beach… “Insta-yogis” make it clear that yoga can be practised anywhere.
And yet, why is it that when we have to practice at home, we don’t feel quite as inspired?
The truth is that your home can be your very own mountain top, or calming forest. All it takes is a little bit of effort.
Here are some tips to create the perfect space for your yoga practice at home.
1. Tell your family it’s yoga time
Talk to your family about your yoga practice and what it means to you.
It’s ok to put up personal boundaries and give yourself some “me-time” to practice yoga for one hour (or even 30 minutes). So sit your loved ones down and have the talk. Let them know that unless the house is on fire, you don’t want to be disturbed during your practice.
2. Make yourself accountable
You can skip a day of practice every once in a while.
You’re human after all.
But, to avoid 1 day turning into a week, a month or even never, set up a buddy system with someone and make yourself accountable.
Tell that person when you plan to practice yoga, and inform them when you’ve completed your goal.
Even better, you could invite them to share your practice (via zoom or in person) to give you that extra bit of motivation.
Your accountability buddy could be your partner, a friend or a fellow yogi. Whoever it is, make sure it’s someone who cares enough to keep you on the right track.
3. Keep a Journal
Finding a buddy you're accountable to is good. But being accountable to yourself is better.
By keeping a yoga journal, you can check your progress, and note down the changes and benefits you feel from your yoga sessions.
Your journal also becomes a narrative of your progress and filling it in regularly will help you strengthen the habit of practicing yoga at home.
4.Cut off all distractions
Treat your home yoga session like you would a regular class with a teacher.
That means mobile phones on silent, dont check emails or social media between Asanas, and unless you’re following an online class or instructional video, Tv’s off.
5. Find a quiet spot
Yoga is about being in the present moment no matter where you are.
But, if you’re not a master yogi yet, having a quiet spot for your practice is a must.
Try to find a room where there are minimal distractions and where you have enough space to move freely.
If that’s not possible, you can invest in a partition to section off an area of your home during your yoga session or put on some music to drown out the noise.
6. Personalise your space
As I mentioned above, having some music can help set the mood for a yoga session.
But you can also use some scented candles, incense or scented oils to create a yoga friendly vibe anywhere in your home. Even some cushions, plants or artwork if you like. Remember, none of these are necessary to practice yoga, but if it can help motivate you to get on the mat, feel free to get as creative as you want.
7. Invest in some accessories
If you attend yoga classes, you’re probably familiar with the accessories that your teacher uses during their practice. If you can, try and purchase these and add them to your yoga space. Remember, the aim of your personal yoga space is to give you the motivation you need to make sure you’re on the mat so giving yourself a little help is not a problem. Yoga blocks and bolsters and of course, your yoga mat, are your best friends.
If you're stuck at home during confinement or don't have means to buy yoga accessories you can use books for yoga blocks or cushions instead of bolsters.
8. Create a ritual
Rituals help us form habits and structure our lives. They are powerful psychological and spiritual tools which can help us create a sense of calm, or motivate us to accomplish tasks.
Personally, I create a ritual before doing my yoga practice at home or when teaching someone by lighting a candle or incense stick. In yoga, the fire element is an essential symbol which I've really included into my practice.
As I invite fire into my practice, I set the intention to let go of the past by burning it to ashes. It really allows me to welcome the present moment.
This fire ritual is a very important reminder for me to release anything that does not serve me as I step onto the mat. I remember that as I move through the asanas (the physical postures), I am also getting the full benefits of yoga: mental and spiritual growth.
Sometimes, even a small ritual such as mine is all the motivation you need to get on the mat.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and that I've motivated you to get on your mat at home. If you'd need a little extra motivation, you can join my online yoga classes.