Dashing off to squeeze your studio lesson in before work can defeat the purpose of the calming and centering practice of yoga. If that describes your morning, maybe you should think about creating your own private yoga space at home. Even if you don’t have much space to work with, there are always ways in which you can transform even the smallest corner of your room into a haven where you can start each day mindfully.
Declutter
First, you’re going to need enough room to stretch out. If you have to, rearrange a little furniture or even get rid of a few things you don’t need. Deflect distractions by removing objects from your space, even if it means re-hanging a picture frame or poster somewhere else. Put distance between your special spot and the TV, the alarm clock, or your workspace. If necessary, hang or erect some kind of partition that separates you from the distractions of your living space.
Soften Hard Surfaces
Adding a little cushion to the floor will protect you from injury in addition to making you feel more comfortable. Even doing yoga on carpet can be hard on your back and neck if you don’t use a cushion. Aside from a yoga mat, you can consider rubber flooring tiles or cushions for meditation—anything to make sure discomfort won’t be a distraction.
Create Mood Lighting
Natural light coming in from outside on a sunny day can greatly contribute to your feeling of serenity. But peaceful lighting can be a challenge for people whose rooms have small windows or fluorescent overhead lights. Use partitions or even sheets from your linen closet to soften harsh light. Make sure you do this in a way that doesn’t create a fire hazard, and be careful to blow out candles after every session if you use them to set the mood.
Nail the Ambiance
You have your free space, your soft surface, and your peaceful lighting. Now you have the option to complete the sensory experience with calming sounds. The music you choose should give you the sense of spiritual retreat. You can also use a sound machine to feel more connected with nature and keep your mind a blank slate for meditation. For an extra touch of ambiance, throw in pleasant fragrances. Use scented candles, incense, potpourri, or even a plug-in scent to stimulate the part of your brain that regulates emotions. Scents like lavender, pine, and jasmine are known for their calming effects.
Find Inspiration
Removing distractions is vital to creating a yoga space, but that doesn’t mean removing every personal touch. Find something that inspires you and use it as the visual focal point of your space. Whether it’s a photograph of a distant landscape, a painting, a sculpture, or even a beautiful plant, whatever helps you both concentrate and clear your mind at the same time can serve as your inspiration.
By Hannah West
Hannah West is a soon-to-be published Young Adult author based in Dallas, TX. She specializes in fiction but enjoys dabbling in diverse writing projects and currently writes about all things home décor for Modernize.com.