How to set up your room for a practice at home?

Hello curious person

Let me paint a picture for you: you like to practise yoga at home, or you attend an online yoga class (like mine on a Monday), but you typically rush in the room with 2.5 minutes to spare, slam yourself down and you’re ready to go! Well, I’ve got some advice for you! I’m going to apply it to the convention of my class but I’m certain it will work in most contexts.

The joys of home practice are that it slips directly into your life. You can show up, get it done and continue your day. I think this is one the best parts of yoga at home. However, it can be beneficial to put a little bit of extra effort into the room you’re practising in, especially if it’s been a whirlwind of a day.

Preparing your room can be the first step to the settling process. Sometimes, it can even set the tone for the practice. There are some weeks where it can be a lot to go from 100mph to 0mph as you transition from your day to the yoga class. This is where laying your mat out, moving furniture out the way and creating the space for your practice can help you start to slow down.

You can start to weave in a little more into the setting of your space. Yes, your mat and clearing the space is the most important part. However, there’s much more you can do to mentally shift you into right headspace for a yoga class. Here are some extras to consider the next time you’re setting up for home practice or an online yoga class:

• Light a candle

• Use a room spray

• Burn some sage

• Play your favourite music (once you’re muted)

• Grab pillows and cushions

• Dim the lights and close the curtains/blinds

• Throw the curtains/blinds open and let more light in

• Adjust the temperature of the room

• Open a window to let some fresh air in

• Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign

• Get an eye pillow/eye mask

• Have a cup of tea (or coffee 😉)

Creating these routines or rituals can be the first step to subconsciously releasing that big mental sigh that we all deserve. Even if you’re running late, you can take time out at the beginning of the class, when we’re breathing and unwinding, to do all these things to create the space you want/need. Sometimes, this process of preparing the room will serve you better than the sitting/laying as it’ll allow you to actively settle for the class. So honour these rituals! Even if they feel inconvenient in the moment, take that time and make it happen.

Now I want to hear about you! What’s your routine before a class? Is there anything you’ve ever wanted to try to set the tone of your practise? Is there anything you’d recommend for others to try?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Sam

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Full view of my yoga room

The tidiest photo to exist

My teaching view