Thinking about getting into yoga, but don’t want to start at a yoga studio just yet? Or maybe you have a bit of experience but want to set up a space at home. Setting up an area within your own space can generate a calming and enjoyable yoga practice. Throughout this article we will discuss some essential tips in designing a peaceful and inspiring yoga sanctuary at home. Create a serene space for your practice, find tranquillity, and elevate your yoga experience.

Step 1: Choose a Dedicated Area with Natural Light

This will be a sacred space where you cultivate inner peace and physical wellbeing. Embrace the sun or external environment by choosing a corner or room with natural light. This will infuse the room with warm and positive energy, uplifting your spirit and soothing your being. The feeling you get when you can practice in the sunlight is unmatched, heightening mindfulness and deepening your practice. Having a dedicated area for practice will allow you to look forward to the time you get to spend in the space. So, carve out this sun-kissed oasis in your home and watch as it becomes the perfect refuge for your mind, body, and soul.

Step 2: Declutter and Simplify Your Space

To embrace the serenity in your home yoga haven, declutter and simplify your space. Just like our minds can become overwhelmed when we have too many thoughts, our physical environment can have similar effects. Clearing away the physical clutter not only creates a more organised and inviting environment but also fosters a mental clarity that is vital for your practice. Ensure that you rid the space of any unnecessary distractions, allowing your mind to focus solely on the present moment during practice. As you work to declutter your space, you will find a newfound sense of calm and balance. By having minimal items nearby, a sense of freedom can be obtained, amplifying the positive energy within the room. Embrace the art of letting go as you curate your haven, and witness how the removal of excess possessions paves the way for a more meaningful and transformative yoga experience.

Step 3: Personalise Your Yoga Haven

In the journey of creating a serene space within your home to practice yoga, personalisation plays an important role. Find items/elements that resonate with you, and your being. You might like to choose ornaments, symbols, and colours that inspire creativity, foster positive emotions, and uplift you. All of these aspects should give you a sense of home, peace, and love. Some examples of decorations might be:

• Cherished mementos
• Artwork
• Crystals
• Candles
• Decorative Blankets and pillows
• Plants

Play into the colours that your mind and body like. For example, I have chosen the colour green to be my colour scheme, as I find it very calming. Maybe you are into astrology, so you could have ornaments that represent different horoscopes etc.

Another factor to consider is bringing in specific aromas that you enjoy. Whether that be candles, essentials oils or essence sticks. Ensure that the scents you use are not too overwhelming, perhaps try some before your practice.

An idea for some calming aromas can include:

• Lavender
• Sage
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Chamomile

Or perhaps, you would like a mixture of a couple!

If you are looking for a place to buy essential oils, you can generally find them at a health food store or candle store like Dusk. If you are looking online, I would recommend Amrita Aromatherapy. Not only do they sell singular essential oils, but they also sell blended aromas for a synergistic effect. Shop their range here.

Let your intuition guide you to create your yoga space, not only for practice but also for a haven to retreat to unwind and recharge. Personalisation allows you to delve deeper into your practice, invoking feelings of familiarity and ease. Embrace the creative process and enjoy personalising your space to enhance your practice.

Step 4: Obtain your Yoga Props

When setting up your own yoga space, getting your own personal yoga props will assist in elevating your practice. Yoga props, such as mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets, can be invaluable tools to support and deepen your poses. These props will aid in maintaining proper alignment, preventing injuries, and offering additional comfort when holding postures for longer periods of time. They also serve as extensions of your body, enabling you to reach beyond your limitations and progress in practice. For example, blocks used underneath the hands assist in proper alignment during lunges. Investing in quality yoga props will not only elevate your physical practice but also infuse your sanctuary with a sense of calmness and joy. You might like to research some companies that sell props with designs that you like, or with specific materials. Embrace how these tools create a space where your mind and body can truly flourish, and where serenity becomes an ever-present companion in your yoga journey.

If you are looking for a place that has all the props you need, Gaiam has an amazing range. Not only do they sell mats, they also offer towels, blocks, straps, sitting pillows and more! If you would like to check out their range, you can do so here.

Step 5: Finding a Schedule and Online Instructor

The most difficult part of trying something new is that you never know where, or how to begin. Whilst setting up the space is fun and easy, actually getting started might prove a challenge. I would recommend sitting down and writing yourself a schedule. Find the days of the week and specific times that will work. Try to schedule it as ‘time for you’ rather than just ‘fitting it in’ around other commitments. However, the beauty of a home yoga practice is that you can do so with what time you have available. I would recommend setting aside an hour to experience the full range of benefits and relaxation, however, if you only have half an hour or less, you can still make it work.

Another thing to consider is finding an Online Instructor to guide you through your practice. Sometimes it can be difficult to start, especially if you are new to yoga. Finding an instructor that aligns with your beliefs and values is a really nice way to delve into the realm of yoga. You might like to do some research into various yoga instructors available online, whether they be on YouTube or have a paid program. Ensure that you are benefiting from your home yoga practice by setting aside adequate time and finding some guidance.

Creating your home yoga haven is an art that nurtures serenity and balance. By dedicating a space to your practice, you invite a sense of tranquillity and mindfulness into your daily life. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, finding solace and peace within your home yoga sanctuary. Craft your home yoga haven, an oasis of serenity for your practice. Embrace tranquillity, enhance your experience, and elevate your yoga journey.