The benefits of a daily yoga practice are profound. Daily yoga supports mental, physical and emotional strength. With yoga, you can benefit from weight loss, muscle conditioning, restorative relaxation, and mental peace.
But if you're super busy with lots of responsibilities at home and work, how can you fit in a daily yoga practice?
A quality yoga studio can teach you all the basic information that you need to get started, but sooner or later, you will need to have the ability to practice yoga at home. On those crazy days where it's just not feasible to make it to the studio, you'll want the ability to do at least a quick practice before starting a busy day.
Select a Space
You’ll need to find a place in your home where you can safely practice yoga. Look for somewhere warm and dry, but not in direct sunlight. In addition, consider noise-level and privacy when choosing a room. You don’t want to be easily interrupted, but being completely out of reach from everyone else in the house may not be possible.
You won't need a lot of space for your yoga practice. All you need is the length of your yoga mat, and the height to stretch your arms all the way above your head.
The goal is to eliminate all of the mental roadblocks, so don't think you need things to be "just right". Any old space will do. The key is to use a space that feels safe to you, and that you can quickly and easily set up your mat and practice without any external or internal limitations.
Get the Right Accessories
You won't need much for your daily yoga practice. The key is to have your yoga equipment handy so you can grab it and go, even if you just have a few minutes for a few sun salutations.
Yoga Mat
A high-quality yoga mat is the foundation of any good yoga practice. Look for a rubber or foam mat that is heavy enough lie flat on the ground without any creasing or lifting at the edges. If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly option, you can easily purchase a mat that is made out of recycled rubber.
Towel
In order to prevent yourself from slipping on your own sweat, consider buying a yoga towel. Often, these are made out of microfiber fabric and dry very quickly. This is a small investment that will go a long way in terms of keeping your home safe and clean while you practice your cobra poses and headstands!
Blocks
Foam or wood yoga blocks are also essential to helping you keep your yoga practice safe and productive. When you are working on new or difficult poses, it can often be helpful to have a place to prop up your arm or leg. This will reduce muscle strain and decrease the chance of your pulling or tearing a tendon. Again, this is a small investment that will pay off tenfold in the long-run.
Straps
Blocks can keep you from stretching your muscles too far, but sometimes, this may not be what you want! Yoga straps allow you to deepen your stretch and lengthen your tendons and ligaments, while still giving you a quality workout. Look for straps that are made out of thick cotton material with smooth, metal D rings to allow the cloth to move freely.
Clothes
Soft, stretchy yoga clothes are essential to keeping you comfortable during your yoga practice. The last thing you want is uncomfortable materials distracting you from your breathing and form. Try to find yoga pants that fit you well and keep your muscles warm, and a top that will not ride up while you’re doing inversion poses.
Just Start!
On those days when getting to the studio is just not possible, having a yoga practice at home can be wonderful to maintain the flow of your practice. The benefits are truly endless. Don't allow your mind to sabotage your physical and emotional growth. Start with just 10 minutes a day, and build up your practice over time. Your body and mind will thank you!
