YOGA AT HOME

 
pexels-maksim-goncharenok-4352247.jpg

Admittedly, none of us expected 2020 and even the beginning of 2021 to turn out how it did… Instantly being told to change every area and usual routine of our lives within a second.
Most of us started to work from home. Others had to stay in the office. Others had to look after the kids on top of this, running businesses as well as just trying to stay sane!
Even though everyone’s situation was different throughout the past year and a half and still continues to be, most people I have spoken to have found it difficult at some point to keep up with their practice and their usual well-being rituals. Basically all the stuff which makes us feel good.

This makes sense - straight away Yoga studios, Gyms and Spas were closed. All of the outlets to not just keep us physically healthy, but also emotionally healthy too were taken away, and then we all had to find some sort of way to keep this up from home…

If I am like anyone else, being ‘forced’ to practice and workout from home was hard in the beginning; at one point it was months before I even stepped on my mat and I actually cried many times out of pure frustration with myself.
Even though Studios and Gyms have now re-opened, some of us may not feel comfortable to go back just yet and some may even prefer to practice from home on the odd occasion!

I have now found a good balance and will share some tips below on ‘Yoga-ing at home’.

PRACTICING FROM HOME

  • 1 | Find a 'Sanctuary Section' in your home

    Mentally separating your home from your place to relax, to work, to eat as well as to physically work out can be hard, but finding ‘a spot’ that you associate with your practice consistently can help. You don’t need a lot of space - just somewhere to place your mat.


    Can you also make this spot more appealing for you? Maybe with candles, incense, cushions, by a picture of a loved one maybe? Find a cue within your home that signals to you that this is your place to relax, switch off and practice.

  • 2 | Find a routine that works for you

    Morning. Lunchtime. Afternoon. Evening. It really does not matter, as long as it works. Most days I personally prefer mornings as it sets me up for my day, whereas other days I prefer evenings as it helps me to unwind.


    If your schedule changes weekly, work out how much you want/can manage to practice a week and then look at your diary every Sunday before the week ahead and schedule in when this can happen.
    PS. this routine never happens perfectly for me everytime!

  • 3 | Do a live class or work 1-1 with a Teacher

    Youtube videos can serve a purpose up to a certain extent as well as pre-recorded videos. Try joining a live online class with a Teacher one time - the energy live is different and you can still feel an element of community this way.


    Another option is to work 1-1 with a Teacher online doing private classes. The Teacher can tailor the class programme around your goals and desires. 1-1s are always good if you are someone who wants the Teacher’s full undivided attention and support onto you.

  • 4 | Think 'limit' over removing the distractions

    One of the biggest challenges of practicing from home can be the distractions. The kids calling, the phone’s ringing and then you’re thinking what ironing needs to be done!

    Can you help to limit these distractions? Can you practice for 15 minutes in the morning/evening when the kids are asleep? Can you put your phone on airplane mode or in the other room? Even at a Studio, there will be distractions but distractions can sometimes be a good test of focus too (which is still a part of our yoga practice).

  • 5 | Start small & build up

    One reason it took me months to consistently get on my mat was because I found it hard to do a whole hour’s class by myself at home. (If this is you, you can try tip no. 3), but you can also start small too.


    The days where you may want to practice by yourself without joining an online class, set a minimum time limit for yourself.
    15 minutes is good. 30 minutes is good. Just know, it does not have to be an hour!

  • 6 | Honour the personal time with yourself

    Getting on our mats and doing our yoga practice is always a gift. Whether it is an in-person class, a live class online or a pre-recorded class, there is value in all of them.


    However, there is something uniquely special about practicing by yourself. Being by yourself allows you the time to listen to what your body needs, gives you the space to tune in towards your intuition more as well as build trust within yourself and your practice!

FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU…

I am always mindful of giving people tips as we all operate so differently; there is never a ‘right or wrong’ way to do things necessarily, but simply finding what works for ourselves personally. And that is totally different for everyone.
Ultimately, take what resonates and leave what doesn't.

The tips above are not there to overwhelm you or to get you to change every aspect of your life, but to just simply see where you personally can improve.
Remember, sustainable micro changes rather than big changes that you could never consistently maintain will always be the winner!

By Olivia Annalise - July 2021
Back to articles