At-Home Yoga Tips

This year, my Yoga practice changed drastically. No longer are the days of practicing diligently in a studio, as I’ve reconciled welcoming new forms of practicing, a.k.a. online yoga.

This transition is difficult, yet I am learning more about myself and my practice through this change. Most notably, I am learning how to tune into my self and respond to my body's needs through my Yoga practice. I created guidelines I use for curating my own daily practice that you may find of use. This guide can be applied to an online class or your own creative class.

“Do less, feel more”

This quote “Do less, feel more“, has been my mantra this year for my Yoga practice. As you create your Yoga practice plan, keep it simple. It should be yummy and rejuvenating, not another source of stress.

• Consider how much time you want to practice, what time you want to practice, areas of the body you want to focus on, and the state of being you want to cultivate. These factors will influence the poses used and plan. (I.e. Energy, relaxation, hips, or back… )
• Pose lists: Build a list of poses you enjoy and/or want to try based on your needs. Yoga Journal has a helpful and extensive Pose Finder with explanations, modifications, and complimentary poses.
• Research online classes. Create a playlist of teachers or classes you want to try and previewing the class before practicing can help determine if you vibe with it. (If you want a customized playlist contact me here.)

*Don’t try anything you have not done with the guidance of a teacher, i.e. handstands or headstands. This can be very dangerous and can lead to injury.

• As you enter the pose, exhale, and continue breathing in the posture.
• Build the pose from where your body is contacting the Earth, from there move your focus to the actions of the pose in the varying body parts, then embodying the pose to your most beautiful expression.
• Plan to stay in each pose for 20–30 seconds.
• Make sure to practice the pose on both sides (if it includes a right and left side)

*Tip: As you inhale, think to expand within the pose, lengthening the tight areas while maintaining alignment. As you exhale, visualize the release of the breath along with any tension.

• Practice to 60–70% of your edge to release tension and marinate in the benefits of your practice.
• Habit stack your Yoga habit before or after something you do daily, such as brushing your teeth or enjoying your morning cuppa joe or right after you exercise. (This sounds easy, but with time as you start to notice the benefits of your Yoga practice, you will find it less tempting to skip)
• And most importantly, breathe and enjoy. Thank your self for giving your mind, body, and soul a pause.

Stay connecting for more Yoga tools and tips on the Instagram Natalie_Yone