Yoga: how to practise on your own

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It’s fabulous welcoming the day with a group sun salutation on a beach in the Indian Ocean but how do you get motivated home alone?

A positive state of mind

Whenever you think about yoga try to think of it as a positive force, something to enjoy as well as a way to improve body and mind as it can be hard to feel motivated to do something that feels like a chore. Rather than focusing on the routine you’re going to do, try to remember how good you’ll feel after you’ve completed your yoga practise.

Set the scene

Create a space in your home which will become your ‘yoga space’, make it somewhere you are least likely to be disturbed and keep it uncluttered so that it’s easy for you to lay your mat out whenever you’re ready (you can even decorate it with candles or other yoga props if you find that helps). It’s a good idea to select some unobtrusive music to play to accompany your yoga practise at home so that when you’re struggling with motivation you can press play on your yoga playlist to help you get in the mood.

Roll out your mat

One of the best ways to get motivated when you’re feeling sluggish is just to get into your yoga clothes and lay out your mat. Tell yourself that you’re not making any promises but that you’ll just put your mat out and sit on it for a little while and see what happens. While you’re sitting you might try a little meditation or breathing exercise, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll feel the desire to try a pose or two.

Pick positions you feel comfortable with

If there was a particular positions or a routine that your yoga instructor at Constance taught you which you enjoyed, make that the basis for your home routine.

Good poses to try at home include:

• Sun salutations
• Forward fold
• Downward dog
• Child’s pose
• Tree pose
• Seated twist
• Remember only do as much as you are comfortable with and don’t try to push yourself too far, yoga is about gently exercising the body and mind.

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• For a great routine to try at home take a look at this ‘Easy Yoga Routine’ on WeNeedToLiveMore.com.