Setting up your space
Going from practicing in person at a zenned out yoga studio with your favorite yogis and 10 salt lamps to practicing at home in a multipurpose space via Zoom is a big adjustment. A BIG adjustment.
And although my opinion is that you all have done it with impeccable grace, I’m sure I’m not alone in craving the yoga studio environment I miss more than I can say.
At first the introvert in me enjoyed the freedom of practicing at home. It took the boundary of driving to the studio away and I actually become much more consistent in my practice because, well, my excuses were pretty lame…my commute was from my couch to my mat. A mere 5 feet. Come on, Anna, you can do this.
But then as the months stretched on I really started missing practicing in a yoga studio. There have been some I’ve spoken to that have attended my classes that just couldn’t get behind yoga on Zoom and I get it, I do, it’s weird! A lot of things are weird right now. And all we can do is try to create the environment we crave as best we can.
It took me a little while to iron out just what I had to do to create that environment for myself at home both as a teacher and student, and I thought they might be helpful for you as you set up for your next class.
My favorite strategies I found to help me prepare my space to get into my state of flow are:
Light up that 1 salt lamp. It may only be 1, and it may not be shaped like the Happy Buddha, but light it up. Just do it.
Use a mat. This may seem very obvious, but I promise you it will heighten your zen by, well, a lot. It doesn’t have to be a fancy mat, or it can be, but buy yourself a mat so that you can really focus on your breath, not how much the wood floor is digging into your back knee.
P.s. Here is the mat I use - I LOVE it - I actually have 2 of them, one pink, one black. And Jess just dropped a new design that I’m trying to resist buying with everything I am. Any bets on how long I’ll last?
Props. You might be saying okay Anna, I’m not rich…well my friends, neither am I. But I am not injured either because I have props for when I need to move safely and what I’m working on on my mat is not yet accessible. Even if you aren’t trying for a handstand press, props are AMAZING tools to enhance your yoga practice. Below are some of my favorites that I literally use daily. I highly suggest impulse buying and just not thinking about it. You won’t regret this order, especially on restorative days.
Bolster: soft but sturdy, definitely a restorative yoga staple.
Blocks: I have soft and cork blocks, I prefer soft.
Strap: Doubles as a yoga mat strap carrier and a yoga strap.
Silence your devices, take off your watch, and get rid of any distractions that can occur (leave your fire alarms on though…just to be safe). For real though, when I finally ditched the Apple watch during yoga, my focus during class sky rocketed.
Politely notify others in your space you will out of service for the duration of class. Close your doors and feel no guilt for taking some time for you.
Plug in that diffuser you’ve forgotten about. Lavender is relaxing, peppermint is energetic. Choose the scent that speaks to your mood.
Cue up your favorite yoga playlist. Some virtual classes will provide a playlist, but even if they don’t choose your favorite yoga tunes and play them in the background.
Don’t skip savasana. I know the refrigerator is only 10 steps away and you’re probably thinking about whether your co-workers have figured out that your “appointment” was yoga yert - which, heck, you GO, don’t ever stop prioritizing you and don’t you dare feel guilty about it - but don’t rush through and hop out early. Savasana is to yoga as your update is to your iPhone. Don’t skip it. It makes everything work.
