Top 5 tips for a sustainable home yoga practice
Top 5 tips for a sustainable home yoga practice
Now more than ever we need our yoga practice to support and ground us. However, when we’re used to practicing in a shala surrounded by fellow practitioners, getting on the mat and establishing a home practice can seem like a challenge. This is particularly true if you’re limited on space, or sharing the space with others.
I’ve put together 5 tips to help you establish your home practice:
1) Set up your practice space
If you have limited space, like most of us in London, there isn’t room for a dedicated practice room. However, spending a few minutes setting yourself up comfortably can help improve your focus. Move furniture so you have little space around your mat and keep your practice area clean. Make sure the room is warm enough before you begin and consider lighting some candles to create a soothing atmosphere. If you’re taking an online class, make sure you set up the camera so the teacher can see your mat, and the bottom half of your body (top half not so important).
2) Be free from distractions
Leave your phone in a different room while you practice, and try to avoid distractions from the TV or radio. If you can, practice at a time when everyone else in your household is asleep or busy with other tasks.
If you’re in an online class, with others around you, put yourself on mute that way you can relax knowing you won’t disturb the rest of the class. Don’t worry if your pets feel like joining for practice they are very welcome!
3) Establish a routine
Practicing at the same time every day will enable you to establish a routine that you’ll be more likely to stick to. Whether you prefer to practice in the morning or the evening picking a dedicated time and sticking to it will mean you’re more likely to maintain a practice.
4) Set realistic goals
It’s much better to practice five days a week for 10 minutes than it is to do 90 minutes once a week. Set a goal you feel you can stick to. That way you’ll stay motivated and you’ll soon feel the benefits of regular practice. If you’re short on time do surya namaskars (sun salutations) and a short seated breathing practice.
5) Connect with other practitioners
We’re lucky we have so many ways to stay connected, from online classes, to zoom meet ups. Staying in touch with fellow practitioners, and sharing our practice stories is a great way for us to stay motivated and share the love.
Keep practicing everyone!
