Don’t you just love it when you go to yoga class and there are candles lit, beautiful, soothing music playing and blankets and pillows at the ready just in case you may need them. If you are wanting to increase your yoga game or have already been practising yoga at home for awhile you might want to start thinking about setting up a dedicated space. Our homes should be a reflection of who we are and we should set them up accordingly so that we are able to relax and fulfil all of our needs and passions in a beautiful, relaxing environment.
Find your space:
Brainstorm and think of a space where you are able to have plenty of room to lay out your mat and move around. Perhaps think about the times of day that you might use this space and whether or not you are likely to be disturbed. Access to light and fresh air is important. Some great places to do yoga is in your bedroom or living area or perhaps you might have a place outside that you can use.
Things that you might like to use to set up your at-home yoga space:
Shelving: You might like to clear an area of a shelf or find a dedicated shelf to store some yoga books or candles or arrange some beautiful mandala prints.
Storage: You will need a place to store your yoga mat plus any props you may regularly use like a yoga block or strap. Storing a light blanket and pillow close to where you do yoga is also ideal for savasana. An old chest or suitcase is ideal.
Mirror: It is nice to have a large mirror to check posture and alignment. If you decide to make your yoga space in your bedroom perhaps you could also position your bedroom mirror so that you can see yourself while you practice.
Candles or fairy lights: If you like to practice your yoga in the evening dimming the lights is a must. Doing yoga with dimmed lights is great for our natural circadian rhythms and helps to prepare our bodies for sleep. Have some beautiful soy candles nearby that you can light or some fairy lights that you can switch on if your room does not have a dimmer switch.
Drink bottle: Don’t forget your water. Have a pitcher and glass on hand or make sure you have your water bottle close by in case you get thirsty. Yoga is thirsty work!
Music: Beautiful, relaxing yoga music is a must! Keep a small bluetooth speaker nearby so that you can just play your favourite yoga playlists off your phone. I like to make different playlists for the time of day. Play energising music in the morning and soothing and relaxing music in the evening.
Smells: Have something nice to smell nearby. Insense sticks are great or burn some oil. Oil diffusers are great to use while you practice yoga. Burning different types of oils can energise you or help you to relax at the end of the day. Some relaxing oils that you could use for your night time practice are lavender or chamomile.
Decorate: Add some plants! It is nice to have something green near where we do yoga do help connect us to nature while we practice. Certain house plants are also amazing at keeping our air clean. You could also add some nice pictures of your family, personal items or things that help to remind you what you are grateful for. Some beautiful framed prints could also be nice!
Happy yoga practice! ♥
(Photo: Huffington Post)