5 tips for a home yoga practice

Before the pandemic, I always had a home practice that was more of a supplement to my studio practice. Now that my home practice is my main practice, it has changed the way I do my yoga. I’m more introspective and in tune with my needs.

I feel more rejuvenated at the end of practice because my focus has solely been on myself. Instead of following the flow of a group class, I’m following my own rhythm.

Whether you want to practice totally on your own and watch what arises or follow a class on zoom, I have five tips here to help you set up a successful home practice.

5 tips for a home yoga practice:

1.) Write it in your calendar. I know, I’m starting with the basics here. But this is important so that you commit yourself to your practice. How often do you want to practice? Write down the days you are going to practice and make that time you have set aside for yourself non-negotiable.

2.) Make a space in your home. Carve out a space, even if you must move some furniture around each time you practice. Do you have a favorite painting you would like near your mat, or a plant or candle? Set up your space in a way that makes you happy.

3.) Turn your cell phone off when you are in class. If you are using a tablet or computer to attend your online classes, could you set your cell phone to silent when you practice? Treat your time in your online classes, just as you would in the yoga studio, put your cell phone in the other room or your bag.

4.) Move like no one is watching. One of the benefits of a home practice is that there is no need to keep up with the class. You get the time and space to be creative. What would it feel like to do a posture differently? Skip or substitute a posture? Make a loud exhale or sigh? A home practice gives you this freedom to make the class your own.

5.) Keep yourself inspired. Do something out of your routine: read a book from one of the yoga masters, study a lineage that you aren’t familiar with, take an online class.

Right now it is easy to study online and develop your home practice. I’m a Kripalu yoga teacher and I teach Gentle, Chair, Meditative and Flow yoga online five days a week. Kripalu means compassion and I teach heart centered yoga designed for empowerment. Click here to join me online for a free week of the Online AcuYogini Membership and start your home practice today!