In today's fast-paced world, finding time for a consistent yoga practice can be challenging. Yet, the benefits of maintaining a regular home practice are immense, offering physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Even as we navigate life's daily demands, we can find ways to keep our practice engaging and effective.
Let's explore 4 key strategies to help us grow and sustain our yoga practice at home:
#1 - Have a teacher to check in with weekly:
Even the most dedicated practitioners can struggle with motivation and consistency. I for example practice 6 days a week and 3 of those days are with my teacher! The guidance of a skilled teacher to support your home practice, keep you inspired, aligned, and on track with your yoga journey is essential and here's why:
Guidance and Expertise: A teacher offers personalized support to match our unique goals and abilities; help us explore modifications and adjustments, and ensure we progress safely and confidently.
Accountability: Regular check-ins with a teacher can really help keep us motivated and accountable. Knowing that someone is cheering us on and keeping an eye on our progress, Encourages consistency!
Feedback and Correction: A teacher observes our practice and offers helpful feedback on our form and technique. This support can assist us in avoiding common mistakes and reducing the risk of injury!
Inspiration and Support: A teacher is a source of inspiration. By showing us new sequences, asanas, or insights that keep our practice fresh and engaging! A teacher is also there to offer emotional support, helping us navigate challenges both on and off the mat. It’s all about creating a positive and uplifting experience together!
A successful home yoga practice demands more than a sequence of postures. It demands discipline, dedication, creativity, and surrender to the present moment.
#2 - Have a dedicated space for your practice:
Having a designated area for yoga helps you mentally shift into practice mode. This space becomes a sanctuary where you can leave behind daily distractions and focus on being present. Tips on how to create a yoga space in your home:
Utilize Outdoor Areas: If you're lucky enough to have nice weather, consider using a deck, balcony, or backyard. The fresh air and natural surroundings can enhance your practice and provide a refreshing change of scenery.
Repurpose a Spare Room: If you have an unused room or basement space, transform it into your yoga sanctuary. Clear out unnecessary items and set up a calming environment with minimal distractions.
Adapt Living Spaces: Even in a small apartment, you can create a yoga space by simply moving a coffee table or rearranging furniture. The key is to have enough room for your mat and to set up your phone or laptop at a distance where your teacher can see you.
Keep It Simple: You don’t need a lot of space—just enough for your mat and a few essentials. Focus on creating a clutter-free area that allows you to move freely and concentrate on your practice.
#3 - Be flexible but stay accountable:
Flexibility in our yoga practice is essential to accommodate changing schedules and unexpected events. However, maintaining accountability is equally important to ensure that our practice remains consistent and effective. Here's how we can find that balance:
Treat Online Classes Like In-Person Sessions: Approach your scheduled online classes with the same commitment as you would in-person ones. Be prepared, arrive on time, and ensure your space is ready. Consider potential technical issues in advance, such as internet connectivity or device setup, so they don't disrupt your practice.
Utilize Recorded Classes: On days when attending live sessions isn't possible, take advantage of recorded classes. This flexibility allows you to maintain consistency and ensures you don't miss out on practice, even with a busy schedule.
Set Realistic Goals and Track Progress: Establish achievable practice goals and track your progress regularly. Use a journal or digital app to note your accomplishments and areas for improvement. This self-monitoring keeps you accountable and motivated to continue evolving in your practice.
#4 - Use common household items as yoga props:
With a bit of creativity, everyday household items can serve as excellent yoga props, enhancing your practice and making it more accessible. Here are some simple yet effective ways to incorporate these items into your routine:
In class offerings like Gentle Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga, having the right props at hand becomes super important in order to find the right support for deep relaxation. The best part? You don’t need to invest in fancy gear—just look around your home! By using items you already have, you can dive into your practice fully and enjoy every moment.
Yoga Mat Alternative: A large towel or non-slip rug
Yoga mats are now available in almost every retail store or for purchase online but if you find yourself without one you can always use a large towel or non-slip rug that covers your practice area.
Ensure it's placed on a flat, non-slippery surface.
For extra grip, lightly dampen the surface you're practicing on.
Yoga Block: Thick books or firm pillows
Yoga Blocks help bring the floor up to you so you don't sacrifice alignment for stability, books, shoe boxes, or even firm pillows can help you create the space you need during your practice:
For seated poses: a firm pillow can be placed under the sits-bones to elevate the hips.
For standing poses: Books can be used under the hands in forward bends or balancing poses.
For restorative poses: Both books or pillows can be used find comfort.
Incorporating household items as yoga props will not only enhance your online yoga practice but also foster self-love and acceptance.
Yoga Strap: Belt, scarf, or long towel
Yoga Straps help us reach as they become an elongation of our arms and are wonderful tool for binds, leg stretches and deep folds, a belt, scarf, or long towel can be an easy substitution:
For stretches: Loop around the feet in seated forward bends or reclined leg stretches.
For binds: Use to connect hands behind the back or in twists.
For arm balances: Create a loop to support the upper arms.
Bolster: Firm couch cushion or rolled-up blanket
Bolsters are firm cylindrical pillows but at home we can use a firm couch cushion or rolled-up blanket:
For restorative poses: Place under the spine for supported backbends.
For seated meditation: Use as a comfortable seat to elevate the hips.
For prenatal yoga: Provide support for side-lying poses.
Blanket: Any household blanket or large towel
Yoga Blankets can be replaced by any household blanket or large towel:
For padding: Fold and place under knees in kneeling poses.
For warmth: Cover the body during final relaxation.
For support: Roll and place under the neck in supine poses.
How you can Incorporating Props into Ahimsa Wellness Yoga ONLINE Classes
Use two same size books to support hands in lunges or forward folds.
Utilize a scarf or tie for hamstring stretches.
Sit on a folded blanket or firm cushion to elevate the hips.
Use a throw around your shoulders during pranayama to maintain body temperature.
Use a folded towel as an eye pillow during guided relaxation or Yoga Nidra.
Place two same size books under hands to facilitate jump throughs and jump backs.
Use a belt or scarf to assist connection of hands in binding poses.
Restorative Yoga or Yoga for Vitality:
Create a bolster with a rolled blanket for supported forward bends and backbends.
Stack books under hips for a restorative bridge pose.
Incorporating these simple strategies into our home yoga practice can truly make a world of difference in staying consistent and inspired! Each little step we take brings us closer to a fulfilling and sustainable practice.
So, let's embrace these helpful tips to enhance our yoga journey today! Remember, every small effort counts towards our overall well-being and growth. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and most importantly, enjoy the wonderful, transformative power of yoga in your life!
And see you soon, on the mat!
💕 Love, Francia
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