If the past year has taught us anything, it's that it is possible to do most things from home. Whether it's cooking, working, or exercising, you will find a way if you genuinely want or need to do it. However, not all of us are blessed with houses that can accommodate a fancy kitchen, a quiet office, and a professional gym. Thus, many people usually get discouraged and ultimately quit, especially when it comes to working out. And since regular physical activity is essential for general health and wellbeing, finding ways to make things work is of the utmost importance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a recovering couch potato, yoga might be a good starting point toward bettering your physical and mental self. This spiritual discipline doesn't require much space or equipment. However, some details might help you stay motivated. Here's how to design an at-home yoga space.
Find a spot free of distractions
The first step to creating a yoga sanctuary at home is finding a distraction-free area. If you have an entire room that you can dedicate for this purpose - lucky you! If not, don't despair. A corner in your living room or bedroom, a hallway, or even a balcony will suffice. As long as your yoga mat fits and you can stretch your arms without hitting anything.
Once you've decided on the location, it's time to analyze the space. Minimizing the clutter and distractions will be of tremendous help, especially if you're a beginner struggling to focus. Consider downsizing on unnecessary possessions and explore a more minimalistic approach when it comes to furniture and decorations. Most importantly, don't forget to turn off or even remove gadgets and appliances. Not many things will ruin your mid-yoga vibe the way weird buzzing and blue light will.
Gather props
To practice yoga, you don't really need any equipment. However, certain pieces can help make your sessions more comfortable and productive.
· A yoga mat - Unless your floor is already soft and non-slippery, you might want to get a yoga mat. Your back, knees, and hands will thank you.
· A towel - Depending on what type of yoga you prefer, you will likely sweat, so a towel can be a good idea, as well. Opt for a big cotton towel that covers most of your mat.
· A pillow - A soft cushion can be an excellent addition to your pre or post-yoga meditation. Additionally, pillows can help achieve deeper stretches or alleviate painful poses.
If you are a complete beginner, don't hesitate to bring in a chair or anything else that will help you stay balanced. Also, don't feel obligated to purchase equipment designed specifically for yoga. You will likely find everything you need around the house.
Create an ambiance
If you want to design an at-home yoga space that will motivate and inspire you, you shouldn't neglect the ambiance. Yoga is all about promoting tranquility, serenity, and focus, and a few things can help with that.
Natural light is the ultimate mood-setter, so, if possible, always exercise next to a window. If you prefer to work out at night or if you lack windows, add soft lighting with lamps or candles. Think about what makes you happy and calm. Incense sticks, scented candles, or a humidifier will help bring a dose of Zen into the space. Just make sure the scent is not overpowering. For those who live in noisy environments, quiet and peaceful music might help.
Choose a calm color palette
Ideally, the color palette of your at-home yoga space should be calm. However, painting your walls and replacing furniture is not necessary. You can add pastel hues with various decoration pieces, area rugs, or curtains. Earth tones, shades of white, or any other colors that make you feel at peace will be the best choice. Workout makes us feel happier, and the right colors can only further help. Color, just like exercise, can powerfully benefit our mental health, so make sure to choose mindfully.
If you do decide to add a fresh coat of paint to your walls, explore non-toxic paint options. After all, your yoga space won't promote peace unless the environment is healthy.
Decorate with purpose
Once you have taken care of the essentials, it is time to bring some personality into your at-home yoga space. This is where you can be creative but remember to be mindful and subtle, as well. The last thing you want is to go overboard with dust-collecting trinkets that don't really have a purpose.
Plants are always a safe option as they purify the air and add life to any room. If the area you chose for practicing yoga doesn't get much light, or if you don't have a green thumb, opt for low maintenance plants. Pothos, Peace Lily, and Snake Plant are extremely forgiving when it comes to their living conditions.
Adding yoga and meditation-related books might also be an excellent way to decorate your shelves with purposeful items. Singing bows, buddha statues, or even a few DIY decoration pieces will please the eye without drowning the room.
Keep it clean
Finally, the last step to creating a spiritual sanctuary at home is cleanliness. All the candles you light and the meditation music you play will be futile unless your yoga space is clean and tidy. Since working out includes lying on the floor, you surely don't want to be rolling around in pet hair and dust mites. While yoga is terrific for keeping stress at bay, a well-kept home environment is possibly even more so.
Therefore, make sure to stay on top of vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. Declutter regularly, so you don't end up skipping a yoga session because there's a bunch of stuff you have to move beforehand.
Final words
If you want to design an at-home yoga space, remember it’s all about making the environment feel comfortable and relaxing. The tips in this article are supposed to guide you. However, make sure to listen to your heart and mind as you are the one who will use the space. After all, implementing regular exercise into your daily routine will become significantly easier if you are happy with your yoga nook.
Meta description: Yoga is an excellent starting point toward bettering your mental and physical health. Here’s how to design an at-home yoga space.
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