Chaos, conflicts, disharmony – the world after the pandemic is no stranger to these scenarios.
Unsurprisingly, it makes one seek peace and harmony to quieten the roaring mind and agitated body. Some people find solace in traveling, while others find activities to indulge in.
In a broader sense, yoga isn’t just an activity to busy yourself – it’s a way of life.
But do you have to join a class or be amidst a group of people to practice this ancient method?
We have the must-know tips to help you start doing yoga within the comforts of your home.
Find Out Your Intention
The clearer your intentions, the better you’ll be able to achieve your targets. So, you need to set clear goals and objectives. Do a quiet inner searching to find out:
- Why do you want to do yoga?
- How many times can you manage to do yoga in a week?
- What do you wish to achieve with yoga?
Use sticky notes or make mental notes – whatever suits you best.
It’s perfectly okay if your goals change over time. But you must continue to search for yourself and get attuned to the new goals.
Accessorize
While you can practice yoga from anywhere, you will still need some accessories to begin.
For example, you will have to buy:
- Yoga mat
- Yoga blocks
- Pillows
- Yoga Towels
Since everyone has their preferences, you can choose between different colored mats and blocks for a fun experience.
Create a Schedule
Yoga is more about commitment than passion. So, picking up a convenient time comes second once you’ve cleared your intentions.
You don’t have to set up a too-strict schedule. Instead, choose according to your convenience. It can be once a week or 30 minutes every day, but make sure to practice at the same time to fix a routine that you can follow for life.
And if it feels overwhelming and unmanageable, take baby steps until you get used to the routine. You’re your own boss, after all!
Choose a Comfortable Space
Yoga is all about comfort and getting your inner zing. The space you choose will make all the difference.
For starters, dedicate a section of your home to yoga. It doesn’t have to be an entire room if you don’t have enough space. All you need is a place to fit in with your body and a yoga mat.
The second part of making your chosen area a comfortable one is decluttering it. Make sure to remove everything that may threaten the peaceful environment. You can also add plants or anything that soothes your mind while practicing.
Meditate
Meditation makes an integral part of yoga. And seeing as you have reserved the perfect place for it, you can go to your meditation spot to practice anytime.
Find a time when nothing distracts you. Whether it’s 5 am, before bedtime, or right after you come home – whatever works for you will do.
Practice Breathing
It’s unhinging to believe how little thought humans give to breathing. Even in the daily routine, we barely notice the subtle breathing patterns. And yet, a consistent breathing routine is what keeps us going.
Yoga helps by making you aware of your breathing practices and taking control of your overall well-being.
Yoga breathing techniques involve mindful exhales and inhales, bringing the subconscious back to awareness. Not only does it open the lungs, but it also increases the oxygen flow in your body.
Try Different Techniques
As a yoga newbie, you have full liberty to try different styles and techniques before getting comfortable with a particular style. We suggest starting with Hatha practice.
Hatha helps you perform postures correctly and safely. After that, you can choose from various yoga practices, including:
- Ashtanga
- Bikram
- Vinyasa
- Yoga Nidra
- Deep stretching
- Yin
Watch YouTube Tutorials
You may feel that reading up on all the information available on the internet about yoga is enough. And yet, actually seeing it with your naked eyes can give you an accurate idea about how to do it.
While attending a class or two is recommendable, we understand that it’s not always possible due to a tight budget. You might not have an option of free classes in your neighborhood either. But there’s a convenient alternate: watch YouTube videos with yogis practicing the art.
Watching videos doesn’t cost a dime, and you can do it at your leisure. Once you feel like you have watched enough, hop on the mat to start instantly.
Pro tip: you can also practice yoga while watching yoga tutorials. Doing this will help you immediately correct your posture and have a productive time.
Be Consistent but Gentle
Consistency is key to achieving your goals faster. But you must understand that being consistent is not synonymous with never messing up.
As senior yoga teacher Krishen Verma said: “Twenty minutes of daily practice is more likely to show positive results sooner than two hours of occasional practice.”
Moreover, remember to be gentle with yourself. You may feel like giving in or giving too much, but you can start with easy-to-do yoga poses. Getting started with difficult poses isn’t only time-consuming but also puts unnecessary on your still-adapting body. In worst-case scenarios, you may end up hurting yourself.
Ready to Begin?
The first step to a healthy body is paying attention to what your body wants. The next is connecting your mind and soul to your body to synchronize every action. And starting yoga at home is the best way to do that.
It’s a form of self-love which only has positive aspects for you to embrace.
The best part? No need to step outside your home (except to buy the yoga accessories :-)
Once you’re well on your pathway to health and wellness, you can inspire others to do the same.