| If you are keen to develop your yoga practice, it is a | | | | may find that you feel so relaxed after practicing that |
| really good idea to practice yoga at home. Nothing | | | | you do not need to smoke. |
| heavy, you can start off with doing a couple of your | | | | 3. If possible, it is best to have a room/corner of your |
| favorite poses and gradually build up from there. | | | | house devoted to your practice of yoga and to no |
| A lot of people are put off practicing yoga by | | | | other purpose. Place flowers and pleasing pictures in |
| themselves at home as they enjoy the group energy | | | | the room/space. Encourage your family to respect |
| and instruction from a teacher. Also, if you are a busy | | | | your space and only allow them to enter if they will |
| mum or business entrepreneur it can be difficult to find | | | | remain quiet and respectful when you practice. |
| a class that fits in with your schedule. | | | | 4. Invest in a good quality yoga mat and set aside a |
| However, there are times when it is more convenient | | | | spare pair of yoga pants and top to wear specifically |
| for you to practice at home, especially if you have | | | | for your practice. When you roll out your mat or put on |
| small children and money and/or time pressures. When | | | | your home yoga practice clothes you send a |
| you practice at home, it can be tricky to stay | | | | message to your brain and to the universe that you |
| motivated and easy to be distracted and side-tracked | | | | are ready and willing to commit to your practice. |
| by domestic duties or family commitments. | | | | 5. Decide how long you are going to practice. Set a |
| To assist you in getting the most out of your home | | | | timer and try to stick to it. It is better to do 2 minutes of |
| practice, follow the five guidelines below. Once you | | | | focused yoga or 5 minutes of breathing exercises, |
| have these structures in place, it is easier for you to | | | | than to wander aimlessly through a 20 minute |
| start your practice and keep it going. | | | | sequence. |
| 6 Easy Ways to Practice Yoga at Home | | | | 6. Sit in a straight posture. The first thing to do before |
| 1. Aim to do a little bit of yoga every day. For most | | | | you start your sequence is to calm your mind and |
| people, finding time to practice at home can be difficult. | | | | relax your body. A few minutes quiet inner reflection, |
| If you are time-pressed, try waking up 5 - 10 minutes | | | | maybe saying a prayer, an affirmation or three rounds |
| earlier and spend that time doing a few gentle | | | | on OM, encourages your body to relax and your mind |
| stretches in bed. Before you go to bed, a few rounds | | | | to settle into your practice. |
| of yoga breathing exercises is a pleasant way to help | | | | Once you get into the habit of following these six |
| you clear your mind and release tension from your | | | | steps you will find it easier to practice yoga at home. |
| body. | | | | Regular practice will help you to feel upbeat, cheerful |
| 2. If you are a smoker, try not to smoke until you have | | | | and more able to cope with the different demands |
| practiced. This makes it easier for your body to | | | | made on your time. Enjoy your yoga practice and I |
| receive the maximum benefits from your practice. You | | | | would love to know how you get on. |