As many of us have been forced to work and study from home, what was once a place for rest, family and recreation has become quite a stressful place.
That is why a lot of people are finding ways to find balance and combat stress, and physical activity is one of them. Many are setting up home fitness studios where they can shed some sweat and practice mindfulness techniques like Yoga and meditation.
Why practice yoga?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us so much stress and anxiety. Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that has been scientifically proven to help with stress management and lower the risk of anxiety and depression.
Originating from the East, Yoga has become a popular practice in Western countries because of its amazing health benefits. The regular practice of Yoga has been linked to:
- Better sleep quality
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased strength and flexibility
- Asthma relief
Like any form of exercise, Yoga requires focus and attention. Setting up a conducive environment for your daily practice helps set the mood and can get you into a healthier routine.
Here are some tips to help you set up the perfect space in your home for your daily Yoga and meditation practice.
10 tips for setting up your space
Visualize the “perfect” space for your practice
Before you start setting up and decorating your Yoga room, take some time to think about the kind of environment you’re trying to achieve.
Close your eyes and visualize your dream Yoga studio. How do you want it to look? What colours will help you get into the zone? Write your ideas down so you don’t forget.
Choose a serene corner or room
Do you have an extra room that can be used as your fitness studio? If not, that’s fine. Meditation doesn’t require a bigger space. You can choose a small spot or corner in your home instead. Just make sure you’re choosing somewhere serene and quiet to set the mood, such as a corner of your sitting area or bedroom.
Choose colours that are relaxing
You also want your environment to be relaxing and calming. The best colours for a Yoga room or corner are muted, calm tones. Think of soft shades like lavender, pastel blue, crisp white or blush pink.
If you’re leaning towards darker colours, dark purple is a good choice. Purple is technically a cool colour, so its presence is enough to lull you into a calmer state.
Make sure to choose eco-friendly, VOC-free paints to protect your health and the environment.
Set the mood
When you step into a Yoga studio, the first thing you need to experience is calmness and serenity. This is where decorations and fixtures come into play.
Lighting is very important. If possible, choose a room or corner with natural light. Indoor lights shouldn’t be distracting. Install soft, gentle lighting to help you focus and influence your mood.
Also consider stationing a portable speaker inside the room, as soft music is important to getting in the flow.
Create a point of inspiration
Having a point of inspiration lets you connect emotionally to your practice. It could be anything, such as your family photo, a painting or a decorative piece that reminds you of your best travels. Anything that inspires you and gives you a sense of calmness will make a great addition to your Yoga room.
Don’t forget Yoga mats
Have at least two. This way, you have a reserve in case the one you’re using needs to be cleaned, or a friend or someone from your household wants to join you in a session.
A few props come in handy
Aside from Yoga mats, some other items can make your practice a lot better; try Yoga bands, Yoga blocks, cushions or pillows, and plenty of towels.
Add a touch of nature
You’ll be amazed by how even a small potted plant can significantly elevate the look and feel of your Yoga room or corner. Fresh plants or flowers can make your room come alive. Aside from helping purify the air, they also visibly represent calmness.
Think of mindful decor
Anything that makes you happy, calm and inspired is a perfect addition to your Yoga room. Try scented candles or a diffuser, soothing essential oils and some little trinkets. The key is to not over-decorate. You don’t want the space to feel cluttered, especially if it’s very small.
Cleanliness matters
Always keep your Yoga studio clean, and create a cleaning routine to ensure that your space is sanitized and fresh. When you practice, you’re going to perspire. Coupled with dirt, wet mats and surfaces can trigger skin problems, allergies and other health issues.
Make it a habit to clean your meditation room daily. Stock up on disinfecting wipes and clean microfibre cloths to facilitate the easy removal of dirt from surfaces. Then, at least once a week, deep clean your mats and other Yoga tools.
Aim to practice every day
Practicing Yoga or meditation every day is a great way to beat stress and improve your overall health. To establish your routine, it’s vital to dedicate a room or area to your practice. This way, you will be motivated and inspired to engage in a few minutes of calmness and mindfulness each day.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Please refer to the full text of our medical disclaimer.
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image 1 Photo by Carl Barcelo on Unsplash 2 Photo by Maryjoy Caballero on Unsplash 3 Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash
