Yoga & Mindfulness

If you find yourself stressed and frazzled, there is no doubt someone has suggested you take a yoga class. Yoga is a popular form of exercise that seeks to strengthen and improve flexibility through movement. Besides the physical benefits, there are also mental and emotional benefits. Taking the time to connect your breath within a yoga practice promotes relaxation.

Although participating in group yoga sessions are great, you can find time to practice yoga at home. Whether you choose a streaming yoga service or YouTube yoga. There are limitless options to aid in developing your home practice. After choosing your yogi there are five steps that I find are important in creating a mindful home practice.

1. Create a Space for Your Home Yoga Practice.

There is nothing better than having a set space that is dedicated to your yoga practice within your home. Dedicating an area in your house or apartment that you can associate with your yoga practice will make that space and area sacred. In addition to creating a space having supplies for your yoga practice is essential. A comfortable yoga mat, blocks, and straps can help you when you are seeking to deepen stretches. Also, wear comfortable clothes, and practice at a comfortable temperature to aid in relaxation.

2. Set the Mood.

Find what makes you happy and set the stage for an amazing practice. Creating your ideal atmosphere will help you to disconnect and plug into the art and beauty of your yoga practice. Make adjustments to temperature or the environment to set the stage for your practice. Dim the lights and light candles, listen to soft relaxing music. Find what suits you best.

3. Find Your Flow.

Are you crazy for vinyasa? Does hatha relate best to your mindset? Perhaps the flow or style of yoga that you choose varies from day to day and mood to mood. Just as your flow is important to your practice the time you practice is also important. Creating a morning yoga practice can help to boost your energy and focus for the day. Whereas establishing an evening morning practice can aid in decompressing after a long day. Regardless of your fancy find a yoga flow and style that works best for you.

4. Meditate & Disconnect.

Start by setting your intention before you begin your yoga practice. Focusing on a particular word, feeling or goal you would like to accomplish during your session will improve your ability to relax. Deepen this meditative trance by listening to ambient or chill music.  Become very intentional and mindful of every breathe, sensation, and feeling. Practice matching your breathe to your movements and shutting your mind off from the outside world.

5. Experiment with Aromatherapy.

Diffusing essential oils, burning incense, or lighting a candle can add to the ambiance and further assist in helping you to disconnect. Choose scents to achieve your desired effects. If you are focusing on relaxation choose stress reducing scents. If you are looking to increase focus and boost productivity choose scents that will help to awaken and enliven your senses. The options are boundless.