4 Steps to a Better Home Practice
We’re all tired of this very real pandemic, and yep, Zoom fatigue is real. And while I advocate for rest, I want to remind you that keeping your body and mind strong and mobile is equally important. I've said it before and I'll say it again--as yogis, we were made for such times as these, as long as we put our practice into practice.
Question is: have you?
I love a studio practice, but there are big benefits to building and sustaining a home yoga practice that'll serve you for life and deepen your practice like no studio can.
Today, I urge you to keep coming to your mat especially if you're in a place where things are shutting down again due to COVID cases spiking, and your stress levels are high.
Aside from the immune system boost you get with mindful movement and breath work, there are other benefits to a home yoga practice.
Convenience! With no place to get to or risk of being late, a home yoga practice makes it's easier to get on your mat consistently, so you practice more often. Win-win!
Less (competitive) distraction. By this, I mean the distraction of other yogis. In a studio, it's so easy to notice what others are doing and to compare ourselves. This is less likely at home!
Deep listening + body intuition. My favorite benefit which transformed my practice: when it's just you and the mat, you can better cultivate deep listening and intuition to know what you truly need that day.
You can create a truly life-changing home practice when you bring the right intention and take the steps to do it. If you haven't, I highly recommend it.
Don't know where to start? Here are 4 simple steps for you!
4 Steps to a Better Home Yoga Practice
1. Create a routine, have a plan. In other words: make time. The ol’ Nike “just do it” motto at play. There’s no way around this one. Look at your schedule and realistically decide how often you will on your mat. Aim for 2-3 practices a week, even if just for 20 minutes each time. This isn’t about intensely of practice, it’s about showing up and building a habit. Don’t have a lot of time, ever? Well, I’ve got about 50 pre-recorded classes that are under 30 minutes long on my membership platform. Free 5 day trial, cancel anytime. Try it!
2. Leave your mat where you can see it. And if possible, create a designated yoga practice space for yourself. Maybe even leave your mat rolled out (unless house traffic will get it dirty)! Seeing your yoga mat easily when you’re at home will be an essential visual cue to get you to roll it out more often, which is one step closer to practicing more.
3. Invest in yoga props for home. COVID-safety aside (as most studios no longer offer props to borrow), props are the tools of your practice. Generally, they’re easy to find and affordable. At minimum, get 2 yoga blocks. If you’re really dedicated to this home practice thing, you’ll want a yoga strap and blanket or bolster as well. Seriously, having what you need at home will make a world of difference when you get on your mat. As a prop-lover myself, I have specific brand suggestions and links to my faves here.
4. Keep it simple--don't be a perfectionist! Saved the best for last, because I know this is what hinders so many yogis. If you have the ability to create a magical yoga space at home that’s quiet and beautiful—go for it! But so long as you have enough space to roll out your mat, that is all the space you need. Life is messy, and home life is often messy, too. Try to clear any clutter and choose practice times when the household is quieter and you’re less likely to be interrupted, but don’t be attached to an idea of how your practice is supposed to look at home. Be flexible (no pun intended)—maybe you practice outside when the weather is good, for example. Done is better than perfect, when it comes to getting on your mat.
And, there you go. 4 simple steps you can take today—no excuses. Just show up!
Trust me, this home practice thing is worth it. Years ago, I created a home practice that I loved so much it actually ruined studio classes for me for awhile (whoops!). That’s not what I want for you, but I’m definitely telling you that having a home practice as a real, viable support system is priceless.