As a yoga instructor I found myself teaching more classes on Zoom these days than in studios. Times have changed, the way we live our life has changed and we have to adapt to this new way of life.

However I do miss going to a yoga studio whether to teach or as the student. I enjoy the sense of community as we practice together, and I truly appreciated the feedback from my students or yoga instructors. But life changes and like many, I have embraced a yoga practice at home!

There are several challenges in maintaining a home practice. One is finding the best space and time to do yoga. Another is accountability and motivation. After much reflection, I have found ways to refresh a home yoga practice.

Create Your Own Yoga Space

Find a small space at home that is quiet, peaceful, and offers privacy. It may even double as a meditation space. You can keep your yoga mat, block, strap, bolster, an eye mask for Shavasana, and any other useful materials. You may also want an altar to display items that invigorate all five senses, such as candles, flowers, an inspirational book, a photo of loved ones, beads etc. You can display new items when the seasons change. The possibilities are endless for your personalised sanctuary.

Find a New Teacher

If you feel that your home yoga practice is going stale, or if you become bored with the same routine, change it up by finding a new yoga teacher or a new video series online. There are so many knowledgeable yoga instructors on YouTube! I now also have my own Yoga Channel on YouTube and you may well want to give it a go: Christel Wellness Yoga

Although online instruction can never truly replace the personalised feedback of a yoga studio teacher, you can continue to learn and thrive by changing up the videos you watch.

Invite a Friend

If, like me, you miss the feeling of community that a yoga studio offers, invite a friend or two to practice with you. It may become a weekly or monthly tradition, depending on your schedules. Practicing with others can invigorate your yoga experience or more importantly it's fun!  My Zoom students organise an in-person class at their place every quarter as they so want me to instruct them in person; they change the location every quarter (they take it in turn at their own home) and it is so nice to meet everyone in person again!

Create a ritual

Before or after your yoga practice, create a ritual that makes you feel like you are truly looking after yourself. For example pour yourself a nice cup of your favourite tea (for me it has to be green tea) to enjoy before or after the class and burn some incense. Lighting a candle and playing soothing relaxing music can also transform your practice.

Pay attention to your outfit

Often when we are at home we tend to pay less attention to our yoga outfit than when we go to a studio. And that's perfectly normal! By paying more attention to our outfit when practicing at home, it will also make us feel more of a yogi and therefore more willing to put the effort into our practice. This is another psychological aspect that must not be under estimated. Dress as you mean to practice!

Yoga as self-care

Think of your yoga practice as a way of taking care of yourself. You don't have to spend a lot of money or time to maintain a healthy yoga practice. Make your well-being a priority in your life and watch as your home yoga practice flourishes and finally notice how you are transforming yourself both physically and mentally

If you are looking for a new instructor, I also teach Zoom classes very week so why not join my class for a change?

Hope to see you soon on the mat

Namaste

Christel 🙏