Practicing yoga at home - easy routines for calmness

Written by Elgan LLwyd Larsen at Yogaprops

Yoga creates calmness in your day; it is more than just stretching. Doing routines throughout the week can help you feel more balanced. There is no need for a big studio, you just need a small amount of space, time, and intention. Here are some easy ways to bring yoga into your home and daily life.

Creating a peaceful space in your home

You should practice your yoga in a calm space that makes it easy to focus and relax. A positive, good atmosphere affects the way we feel. Yoga does not need a large amount is space, just make it cosy and relaxing.

Start by rolling out your yoga mat and try to choose a spot that is free from any distractions. You can add your own touch to your yoga corner by adding plants, candles, or a soft, gentle blanket.

Try to choose a space that has natural sunlight, or if you practice at night time, try and choose a lamp with a calming ambient, like a salt lamp. Using aroma, such as essential oils or incense sticks can set the tone for a more relaxing experience.

Once you regularly practice yoga, this little corner will become your retreat for relaxing and calming the mind.

Combining yoga with meditation

Yoga and meditation go hand in hand, yoga is perfect for stretching the body, while meditation helps calm the mind. By doing both together, it can help you feel more focused and centred as it connects both the mind and body.

While you practice yoga, think of it as a moving meditation. When holding a yoga pose, focus on your breathing and on how your body feels. By doing this, it allows you to bring your mind to the present moment.

Using yoga to start your day

A positive way to start your day is by doing yoga, which helps wake up the body and mind. There is no need for your session to be long. Even a 10-minute session can make a big difference.

Energising poses that wake you up in the morning include downward dog and sun salutations. You can also focus on breathing exercises, such a deep belly breaths, which help you to be more focused and clear your mind. Doing yoga in the morning is a great way to boost energy and calm the mind. It's perfect for setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Doing yoga in the evening to relax and unwind

Doing yoga in the evening is about slowing down; it helps reduce anxiety and stress levels, and it slows down your mind and body and prepares you for rest.  Gentle poses that are perfect before bedtime include child’s pose, legs up the wall, and seated forward fold. Focus on moving slowly and concentrating on slow breathing. After you have finished your yoga session, end with a meditation to help unwind.

What Equipment do you need for yoga?

The beauty of yoga is that you don’t need much equipment to get started. Choosing the right equipment can help make your practice safer and more comfortable. Here are some basic equipment ideas to get you started.

A yoga mat is one of the most important yoga tools you will need; its surface provides support for your joints and creates an anti-slip surface. Yoga mats come in different sizes and materials; you should choose the one that feels good for you. For beginners, it is recommended to go for a thicker mat.

Yoga blocks and bricks can be very useful; they help bring the floor closer to you, making poses easier and helping you with better posture. While using a yoga block, using a yoga strap can help make stretches easier.

If you are practicing gentle yoga for relaxation, a yoga bolster is perfect for adding extra cushioning and support. Using a yoga blanket helps keep you warm, especially in the colder times of the year, or while practicing yoga outdoors.

Lastly, using comfortable clothing such as yoga leggings or shorts allows you to move more freely. There is no need to purchase everything at once; you can start by simply using a yoga mat and buy the rest as you go along. Just having a few pieces of yoga equipment in your collection can make it much more enjoyable.