The idea of finding the time and space to practise at home during lockdown can be a daunting task.  But although you don’t have the peaceful ambience of the studio, once you get going you will get in the zone.  Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a tranquil, candlelit room to practise in or, like many others right now, you’re using your spare-room-come-home-office space while the rest of your household are sleeping or watching TV.  Either way, once you get on your mat you just take a deep breath and go with the flow.

When practising at home (as we’re all having to do right now) there are a few ways you can make your space a bit more special.  This will make it easier for you to choose Yoga in those moments when you feel like it’s just not the same as being in the studio.  Try these tips to introduce a sense of peace, support and grounding to the space that you practise in.

SET IT UP

Find yourself a space (as big or as small as your home will allow) and try to keep it set up.  All the time.  Make it a personal space where you can relax and enjoy being.  Take the opportunity to clear yourself some room and dedicate that space to your practice.

Remove any piles of papers, boxes, or pieces of furniture that are simply in the way and get rid of them or put them out of sight.  You could perhaps replace them with a plant.  You can maybe add some artwork if that makes you feel happy.  Candles, incense or an essential oil diffuser can make it feel even more comfortable and inviting.

When you walk into the studio, the environment is relaxing but not intrusive.  There is incense burning in reception but not in the practice room.  So think about setting up your home space to make it calm and relaxing prior to your practice as well as during.  And think about your routine before and after your session.  In the same way you wouldn’t be working the moment before and after a class at the studio, try to keep a gap between work activities when you’re practising at home too.

LIGHTEN IT UP

Creating a sense of peacefulness can have a very powerful effect on your practice.  So choose a space that’s near natural light.  How amazing is the natural light at the studio, right?  It is also helpful to separate your practice space from where you work.  Shutting out your working life can help you to fully immerse in your practice.  If that’s not possible, try adjusting the lighting and using a scented candle to change the ambience of the room.

FRESHEN IT UP

You may not realize how important a role colour plays in setting the mood of a space.  Darker colours tend to make rooms feel smaller by absorbing light while light colours open them up due to their reflective properties.  If you’re struggling to find things to do on your days off, DIY shops are still currently open so you can go ahead and do that paint job you’ve been putting off and freshen up your practice space to boot.  We get all our paints from the Dulux Decorator Centre in Bournemouth where they make the paints for you on the spot.

FREE IT UP

There will be times when the idea of squeezing in your home Yoga practice just doesn’t seem possible.  On those particularly busy, crazy days, let something else be your Yoga.  And when you do make it onto your mat, you can really explore and listen within when you’re practising on your own.  Exploration is the key to keeping life interesting.  So let go of right and wrong and get into the creative energy of experimentation.  Take time to slow things down and listen to the nuances of each movement felt in the body. Here is a guide to a short Yin sequence if you get stuck for time.