GOOD MORNING AND HELLO!
For me, there isnt a bad time for yoga, lunch breaks, afternoon lulls, before bed, even while in labor with my son! But if you ask me what the best time for yoga is, I would have to say the morning wins by a long shot. Yoga is a powerful tool for setting your day in the direction you want it to go. On the rare occasion that I dont get to practice yoga when I wake up, I feel the effects throughout my day my body aches, my mind wanders, and I have a hard time finding the energy I need to accomplish everything I set out to do.
My morning yoga routine has become such a part of my day that it is no longer a question if I am going to wake up an hour earlier to practice. In fact, I dont think of it as getting up early anymore I am getting up at just the right time!
I have found that beyond the benefits I reap from my morning yoga session (and they are plenty), my favorite aspect is the me-time I get before the rest of my family wakes up. I dont allow myself any distractions from the moment I step out of bed until the moment I finish practicing. This means no emails, no TV basically no electronics. This lets me, for the only time during my day, focus on nothing other than myself. And you have no idea how beneficial this really is!
If you want to feel recharged each morning, free from aches and pains throughout your day, be in a good mood, and lose some weight and gain flexibility and strength all in just a few minutes, then THIS is your answer. Yoga is one of the few things that you can do throughout your life, no matter where you are or your physical abilities. Yoga works for everyone, so why not start now?
Soak up the powerful energy of the sun and reshape your day! Good Morning Yoga and Hello Happy You!
Enjoy,
Julie
SETTING UP YOUR HOME PRACTICE
Whenever students approach me who want to learn how to do yoga at home on their own my first question is always, Where are you going to practice? After the initial, I just told you home, awkwardness is sidestepped, I clarify that I mean where in their home are they going to practice.
Create Good Habits
Although having a designated yoga spot isnt the be all end all of being successful or reaping the benefits of a home practice, there is a definite correlation between people who consistently do and enjoy yoga and those who have set up a small corner of their home for this purpose.
Knowing exactly where you are going to practice, especially in the mornings when you are tired and may have a difficult time even getting out of bed, helps your mind shift into autopilot. Just like how you can get in your car and drive home from work with very little thought or effort (you know the way because you have been there hundreds of times), having a practice area makes it easier for you and your mind to arrive on your mat. Over time you will build the healthy habit of wanting to practice yoga every time you see your designated spot.
Establish Consistency
Having a small yoga spot helps you to be consistent, which is the only way to really start benefiting from doing yoga. Even though you will feel great just after one practice, the results start to compound with time and in just a matter of weeks your old definition of great will be tossed from the window because you will be feeling exceptionally fantastic!
Build A Positive Environment
Another important aspect of having a reserved spot at home for yoga is that over time that spot becomes a special place that you associate with positive feelings, health, wellness, and happy thoughts. This tiny little area (it really doesnt have to be much bigger than a yoga mat) can become somewhere sacred that you can go, even if you are not practicing yoga and just need a break from a crazy day (or crazy kids!)
Get Inspired
My recommendation is to find a spot in your home that is removed from main gathering areas (so that you will reduce your risk of being distracted while you are there) and preferably somewhere that allows you to see (or be) outside. If you have a little more space and time on your hands, I always encourage my students to fill their at-home-yoga-spot with things that they love, find beautiful, or are inspired by, such as pictures, flowers, candles, or even the sound of running water from a small indoor fountain.
Just Do It! No Excuses
The great thing about yoga, however, is that none of this is really necessary. With just a mat you can get everything you need from your yoga practice and you can do it anywhere, at home, work, the airport, a hotel, the park, and the list goes on and on. Whether you have a whole room to dedicate or just a small corner you create after moving a piece of furniture, there is no excuse for why you shouldnt or cant practice yoga at home. Overcome your Debby-Downer mindset and just do it! Over time you will not be able to not do yoga its a fact.