Classes give you guidance; practice at home makes it your own. Many students tell us they would like to practise between classes but do not know where to begin. The answer is simpler than it seems: a small space, a short time, and the same steady order each day.
Choose a quiet space
You do not need a special room to begin your yoga practice at home. A quiet corner with enough floor space for your mat, away from the television and phone, is enough. Keep it clean and uncluttered, and use the same space every day. In time, simply sitting there can help settle the mind.
- Enough space to stretch your arms out on every side
- A firm, level floor and a non-slip mat
- Fresh air and soft, natural light if you can
Keep it short and regular
Fifteen minutes of daily yoga practice can be more beneficial than an hour once a week. Early morning, before food, is a traditional time when the mind is often quieter. If mornings are difficult, choose an evening time you can follow regularly.
Practise on an empty stomach, about two to three hours after a meal.
A simple order to follow
Following the same order each day takes away the need to decide, and lets the practice deepen. Here is the sequence we teach beginners:
- Sit quietly for one minute and notice your breath.
- Loosen the joints gently, from the neck down to the ankles.
- Practise the few postures your teacher has given you, slowly.
- Rest for a few minutes lying on your back.
- End with a short breathing practice and a moment of stillness.
When motivation fades
Every yoga practitioner has days when the mat feels far away. On those days, do less rather than nothing. Sit for five minutes and breathe. Consistency matters more than the length of each session.
Keep a small notebook nearby. Write a line or two after each practice about how you felt and what you noticed. Over time, these notes can help you recognise your progress.
