For some people yoga is self-discipline, for others it’s a sport and for others it’s a way of life. Be that as it may, this ancient practice helps us to relieve stress and keep our body and soul in harmony, so necessary for residents of megacities. Now, when yoga centers are closed and many people are sitting at home in quarantine and self-isolation, it’s time to spread out the mat and start studying or practicing asanas. But first, you need to properly prepare a place for the class, and our simple “tips” will help you in this. Exercise and be healthy!
1. The room
You don’t need a special room to do yoga at home. You can put yoga in your living room, on a balcony or by a window in your bedroom. However, when choosing a place to practice, keep in mind that for some asanas (such as Prasarita Padottanasana), you need more space than a standard yoga mat would normally take.
2. Lighting
Choose a room with natural light: the yoga room should have plenty of daylight. If this is not possible, use warm electric light, as close to natural light as possible. Get a Himalayan salt lamp: not only does it have a positive effect on the atmosphere in a house, but it also has a healing effect.
3. Color scheme
Although many yoga studios choose bright colors for their interiors, which carry a lot of energy, for home classes it is better to choose a calm, neutral covering: white, pastel tones or natural, earthy shades.
4. Floors
Choose warm floors with heating if possible, but if this is not possible, you can always use two mats, laying them on top of each other. It’s also a good idea to practice on ceramic tile or natural wood floors (yogis believe that such coverings allow you to perform energy practices without losing energy).
5. Room Temperature
The temperature in the room for yoga practice should be comfortable: it should not be hot, because moving you will release a lot of energy, but also not too cold. And make sure the room is well ventilated, so that there is fresh air in the room.
6. Additional aids
Belts, rollers, “bricks”, yoga hammocks – all these may of course be needed for yoga practice, but don’t rush to an online store. Many things you can make yourself from what you already have on hand. A rolled up blanket, towel or pillow can serve as a roller. A stack of books can serve as “bricks,” and a regular scarf or belt can be used instead of a yoga belt.
7. Decor
The place you choose for your daily yoga practice should inspire the class. It must be comfortable enough and with all its appearance urge you to break away from work for a while, get out of the social media and work on your body and soul. So think about the decor. It can be living plants, incense, a figurine of shiva, a salt lamp or a beautiful poster with a yoga theme.
8. Incense
It’s best not to use pungent, overly active scents for the class. The classics are sandalwood and natural essential oils, such as lavender, the best anti-stress scent.
What you need to set up a yoga space at home
If you’re looking to set up a yoga space at home, there are a few essentials you’ll need. First, you’ll need a mat. Mats come in a variety of materials, so you’ll need to choose one that’s comfortable for you. You’ll also need a place to hang your mat. This can be anything from a simple metal hook to a more elaborate yoga rack.
In addition to a mat and a place to hang it, you’ll need some other basics. These include a yoga block, a yoga strap, and a yoga blanket. The yoga block can be used to help you maintain proper alignment in poses, the strap can be used to deepen poses, and the blanket can be used for warmth or to support your head and neck in certain poses.
Finally, you’ll need a space to practice in. This can be a room in your house or even an outdoor space. Just make sure the space is quiet and peaceful, and that you have plenty of room to move around.
Once you have all of these essentials, you’re ready to start practicing yoga at home. Just be sure to take your time and gradually add new poses to your routine. And always consult a yoga teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
How to use your yoga space
Using your yoga space is all about creating an environment that supports your practice. Whether you have a designated yoga room or just use a corner of your living room, these tips can help you make the most of your space.
1. Make sure your space is clean and organized. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to have a clean and tidy space in which to practice. This will help you focus on your practice, rather than on the mess around you.
2. Decorate your space to inspire you. Add some personal touches to your yoga space to make it feel like your own. Hang up your favorite yoga quotes or postcards, or put up a beautiful tapestry or painting.
3. Create a comfortable environment. Your yoga space should be as comfortable as possible, with plenty of room to move around. Make sure you have plenty of soft pillows and blankets to use for props, and choose a space with good lighting and ventilation.
4. Use your space to its full potential. Don’t just use your yoga space for practicing yoga. You can also use it for meditation, stretching, or simply relaxing.
Creating a dedicated yoga space can be a great way to improve your practice. But even if you don’t have the space for a full-fledged yoga room, you can still make use of your living room, bedroom, or any other spare space you may have. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a more comfortable and successful yoga practice.