5 tips for a virtual yoga practice
As many of us get used to spending more time at home, our yoga practice also continues to evolve. Whilst practicing at home doesn’t compare to dropping into our favourite studio each week, there are other benefits like limiting the need to travel, practicing in our pijamas if we want to, being able to practice with teachers we wouldn’t normally practice with because of schedules - and lots more.
Yes, a home practice has its challenges and many things get in the way. But, that’s also part of the discipline, learning to adapt to changing situations, we’re all trying our best.
5 top tips to get the most out of your home practice
Lessen the expectation of doing your yoga practice like you would in a group environment. You’re at home, so life gets in the way and there’s lots more distractions. Take a moment to step back and see this as a development of your self-practice, championing the inner teacher.
Know when to step back. Given it’s difficult for your teacher to be watching you at all times, it’s important to be an intuitive practitioner, practicing with compassion and knowing when to ease off if something doesn’t feel quite right in body or mind. Remember, these are challenging times, we’re all navigating ups & downs, let’s be kind to ourselves.
Create a warm and inviting practice space (if you have the means to). Light candles, add some plants, burn some incense, move furniture out of the way, put on your favourite playlist. You’re at home, treat yourself and make your practice a special experience.
Be creative with props. Whilst we don’t all have a full kit at our disposal, there’s lots of things around the house that can double as yoga props. Chunky books for blocks, belts or dressing gown straps for straps, pillows or cushions for bolsters.
Take your time. Stressful and unpredictable times call for us to adopt restful practices and yoga is great at facilitating this. At the end of class, if you want to stay laying down in rest for another 10 minutes, go for it! You have no obligation to do exactly what your teacher says, nor within the prescribed time limit. It’s your practice, so take it at your pace.