Simple Tips for Practicing Yoga

When working from home

2020, am I right? This year has flipped our world upside down in a multitude of ways. Many of us have transitioned to fully working from home and spending more time in front of our screens. We no longer have the sweet luxury of slipping into a lively, energy-packed yoga class, and have been forced to shift into a home practice. Here are some of my tips for practicing yoga while working from home.

Create a comfortable space & altar

Create a sacred space for yourself to meditate and practice yoga – it’s a sure way to nourish your soul! Creating a calm and peaceful environment will help you channel that energy inwards as you practice. You can set up your altar anywhere, but ideally, you might choose the most comfortable, quiet, and peaceful area of your living space. For me, it’s a quiet, shaded space in my outdoor oasis – I always look forward to rolling out my mat and practicing there. Ideas for items to place at your altar are items or photos that inspire you, candles, essential oils, and a cozy blanket or pillow.

Develop a routine

The best way to stay committed is by developing a habitual routine that you can look forward to every day. Pick a day of the week or time of day to roll out your mat and stick with it, especially when you’re first forming your routine. Remember to focus on a purpose or intention for your practice. Choose a time frame in which you are not rushed to allow yourself to be fully present and grounded. For me – I love practicing immediately after my workday is over at 5 pm. It gives me something to look forward to after the workday and allows me to open up my body after sitting at a computer.

Mix it up

Mix your yoga practice up by trying different styles of yoga that you may have never tried before! I love practicing yoga from home because it has expanded my horizons in the styles of yoga that I have been practicing. I had always been too intimidated to set foot into an ashtanga yoga class, but have been doing a weekly recorded ashtanga class online, and it’s completely changed my yoga practice for the better! I also love trying out new vinyasa and Hatha classes in the mornings, and yin and restorative classes in the evenings.

Practice with friends

Community is one element of yoga classes I have been missing during the pandemic. There are so many teachers offering live virtual classes that help build this community online! I have recently been making “yoga dates” with my friends from all over the world – we’ll pick a live virtual class we want to attend, turn our video cameras on, and try to simulate practicing next to each other in person. Afterward, we’ll discuss our favorite parts of the class. I’ve found this to be a fun way to bring that community aspect to my home practice.

I hope these tips are helpful – enjoy your at-home practice, yogis!

By Emily Meersand

October 5th, 2020