No matter what situation we are in, developing an online yoga routine shouldn’t be that hard.
This global pandemic brought about by Covid-19 has definitely impacted our day to day lives overnight. And it goes without saying that all of us are still adjusting so that we can somehow get back to our lives whatever this new normal could mean. Part of the adjustment is for us to actually stay mentally and physically healthy. We need to boost our immune system, we need to eat healthily, and we definitely have to get any form of exercise and/or physical activity – if only to get our mind off of things. Having a healthy routine can not only make our bodies healthy but can also help manage stress and anxiety.
One of my current favorite wellness practice is doing my yoga routine at home. I understand that practicing at a studio can be different to the top – I mean, your expert yoga instructor is there to guide you with your yoga poses and breathing exercises; you can bring along a yoga buddy or simply make friends with the people you attend classes with; the ambiance at yoga studios is set so you don’t have to worry about these things; space is provided, and some studio offering free yoga equipment too so you just have to be there.
But we all have to adjust really. So here are some tips on how to start and hopefully, make an online yoga routine at the comforts of your home:
Invest in good quality yoga mats and props.
Yoga may seem not to be too strenuous at all but if done wrong, it could injure you. In doing yoga at home, we need to be extra careful. Make sure you have a mat and reliable yoga equipment before starting that yoga practice. Note that the mat doesn’t have to be special or pricey. Some props can be improvised – I remember I once used books as yoga blocks.
Find a place to practice.
This can be indoor or outdoor so long as you have enough space and are comfortable in moving about. Doing a yoga routine in a quiet place where you cannot be disturbed is something important too. Yoga at home can be a quality time with yourself so you don’t want to be distracted as much as possible especially while doing the Savasana and during meditation. I would recommend a well ventilated and a well-lit place as these would help best in breathing exercises.
Find the right clothes to wear.
I’m not saying that you should get all fancy or something. Choose anything that is comfortable and that would allow you to move about freely as you go about your yoga routine. This is to avoid injury, and to make your practice more enjoyable, really. There are days that you also need to psyche yourself up and dressing up might just help with that.
Choose a piece of music that can set the vibe.
A good, soothing music can help create the ambiance. Listening to a certain sound and/or music as you practice yoga at home can help your minds and bodies to tune in to your intentions for the day. It sets the mood and for sure good music can boost that mood. But if you are joining a virtual online yoga class, though you can still have your own music, make sure to go on mute so as not to bother the yoga instructor and the other students in the class.
Join online yoga classes.
These virtual yoga classes can help guide you in your practice. There may be free YouTube yoga videos but it is also important to sustain and develop your yoga practice – which you might actually get in joining these virtual classes. And of course, joining these can make you connected virtually to other people.
So here are some quick and easy tips for you so you can start that yoga routine at home. Remember, yoga is a wellness practice that strengthens both our mind and body, and it is something that we can practice anywhere where there is space. Why not start that practice now?
