You don’t necessarily need to leave home to achieve that overwhelming sense of bliss you feel as soon as you walk into your favourite yoga studio. Whether it be the dim lighting, the smell of the scented candles, the salt lamps, or the peaceful music, there is a lot of things that go into creating the warm energy a yoga studio provides.
And we know what you’re thinking – how on earth can I create a perfectly Zen home yoga space with the kids running around, the sound of the television, the endless piles of washing, the phone constantly ringing, and not to mention the dishes on the sink? And don’t worry, we hear you!
While finding a moment of Zen at home isn’t easy for everyone, you might be surprised at how simple it can be to transform your bedroom, kitchen, living room, garden or even garage into your very own yoga Shala. In this article, we will give you lots of tips and insight into making the most relaxing, Zen home yoga space you could think of!
1. Finding a room or area in your house (or outside) that is spacious
The first step is finding a space in your home that is large enough to move around in. Ensure the space is decluttered, making sure all items in the space are contributing to its beauty or function. Remove anything that doesn’t serve either purpose and design a space to suit your specific needs. Ultimately, choose somewhere relatively quiet if you can, however – if in doubt, go outside! Afterall, there is no place more peaceful than nature itself!
2. Decorate the space
You would be surprised at how simple it can be to create a beautiful energy in a space. Once the space is decluttered, decorate it with items that will help create a sense of serenity. Things like salt lamps, scented candles, plants and artwork work a charm.
You might also want to create a small altar with items that are personal or meaningful to you. Crystals, angel cards, flowers or things found in your garden are all great choices. Just remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to decorating a space. As long as it feels personal to you, and makes you feel grounded and connected to yourself– that’s all that matters.
3. Get your yoga accessories
To get the most you can out of your home yoga class, we recommend having as many yoga props as possible. A mat is a definite necessity, however, if you don’t have one, you can always use a towel or something similar.
Yoga blocks and straps are great to have in your practice, to assist you in some of the poses. The good news is – you can always use some books as blocks, and rope or a tie as a strap. We recommend bringing cushions and blankets into the space to not only assist in certain poses but also get the most you can out of Savasana (which let’s be honest, is one of the best parts of a yoga class).
4. Choose your yoga style / routine
Whether you’re just starting to embark on your yoga journey, or you’ve been practicing the same style of yoga for years and are curious to try something different, it can often be confusing trying to decide on what type of yoga class is best for you.
Whether you want to relax, sweat, have a full-blown workout or get in touch with your spiritual side, – we can safely say that there are plenty of yoga classes and yoga courses in Melbourne to suit you and your personality!
The first step is to consider why you practice, and what you want to get out of your class. Are you looking for a sweaty workout, or are you attracted to yoga’s more restorative benefits? Do you like to be pushed or are you craving a more relaxed, gentle approach? To get the most you can out of yoga, be honest with your personal needs and choose a yoga style that matches your current fitness level, personality and goals.
5. Stay safe and prevent injury
A lot of people will tell you that it’s solely the teacher’s responsibility to prevent students’ injuries, however as a student – you also have a lot of responsibility when it comes to staying safe! Especially when you’re practicing yoga from home, because you won’t have a teacher there to correct your posture or form if you are using the wrong technique.
Choose a class that allows you to listen to what your body needs and work within its limitations. Don’t take a class or try a pose that’s too hard for you – save that for when you have the guidance of a professional teacher alongside you. Remember that you know your body better than anyone, and your body will communicate with you if something is wrong. The bottom line is – yoga shouldn’t hurt. You can always relax with a child’s pose or Savasana!
6. Use yoga home workouts
At Kaya, whilst we won’t be seeing you at our yoga studio in Melbourne, we are keeping our students and followers motivated and energized during this time of self -solation through offering online ‘Kaya at Home’ yoga classes. We offer a myriad of various of authentic yoga styles and classes that each hold their unique benefits, from faster paced Vinyasa classes, to alignment-based, heart-opening Hatha. Because of this – we are bound to have a class that suits you and offers the kind of workout or experience you and your body are craving.
Using Kaya @ Home will also help you to stay safe and prevent injury. Even though you will be learning through a screen, you will still be learning from one of our professional yoga instructors. Receiving their guidance and words of encouragement, and not to mention being able to mimic their technique within each pose, really does make all the difference.
7. Monitor your progress
Monitoring your progress can be one of the most exciting things about developing any kind of regular yoga routine. Whether you want to take images once a month of you in certain poses, or just keep a mental note of your flexibility levels throughout the journey, one thing’s for sure – you certainly WILL notice progress. There is no better feeling than realising you can finally touch your toes, or reach that little bit deeper in each stretch.
8. Record your yoga session and share it online (just for fun)
This one might be scary for people – however the power of community and sharing online right now is huge, especially during this lockdown! Record your yoga session, even if it is just for yourself. You would be surprised at how helpful it can be to look back on old videos and witness how much you have improved! If you’re feeling extra fabulous – share your video with friends and family and encourage them to stay fit as well.
