Whether you wish to establish your own home practise or join me on the mat for an online session, these tips may help you get the most of your time on the mat at home.

PRACTICAL CONDISERATIONS:

• Allow yourself a few minutes at the beginning of the practise to settle in, so that you do not feel rushed prior to starting.

• Make sure you are in a warm, quiet space where you will not be interrupted.

• Allow the space you create to be a safe space, where you do not need to think about anything other than just your asana practise and breath for the duration of the session – everything (people, dogs, chores) will still be there after your practise, however hopeful the edges will be a little softer!

• Play some soothing music, lower the lights, and light a candle… any small gesture that signals to your mind, that it is time for you to relax. Allow your actions to create a ritual, a course of actions (just like, locking up the house, getting into your car, driving to your usual studio-based yoga class) that helps create an emotional response, informing your brain what is going to happen i.e., hopefully in this scenario, slow down and relax.

• Have a blanket for savasana; plus have yourself any other equipment you like to use, close by – such as two blocks, a belt, a bolster, an eye pillow,  possibly even a sand bag (be creative – books can be used as blocks; ties can be used as belts; pillows can be used as bolsters; scarfs can be used as eye bags; a large bag of rice can be used as a sand bag) – equipment is of particular benefit for Yin Yoga classes.

• Invest your time and effort to make sure you are warm and comfortable for the final part of your practise – that of savasana. Don’t be tempted to skip this part – as this is where the energy you have created in your practise flows and where the real magic happens!

MINDSET:

• Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga remind us to be kind, gentle and honest with ourselves. Listen and trust your body at all times. Be open to any messages that the body may wish to tell you and adjust your practise accordingly – Always let your body and mind guide you in your practise.

• Trust, that there is nothing you need to do, nowhere you need to be, for duration of the session.

• Focus on your breath during your practise. Allow the breath to be slow and controlled, the inhalation and exhalation should be of equal length. If your mind begins to wander, simply come back to the natural rhythm of your breath.

• If you wish to rest at any time, a seated position, reclined position, or child’s pose is always an option. Rest, re-connect with your breath, tune into your body, and re-join the movement whenever you are ready.

• Do not get hung up about being ‘flexible’ – “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down”.

These tips will help you arrive on to your mat, stay in the present moment, and receive maximum benefit from your time on the mat at home.

Please also visit my Yoga FAQ’s for general tips on how to make the most of your yoga practise.

If you have any other ideas or tips, please feel free to email me  your own favourite ways to help set up a home yoga practise… Om Shanti.