Guest Post: Creating a Yoga Space in Your Bedroom

Today's guest post comes to us from Danielle Hegedus from Modernize. 

 

Via Modernize

 

Yoga is a great form of exercise that helps build strength and flexibility. It also calls on you to be mindful of your breathing (somewhat similar to meditation), helping you to focus, while improving your body’s physiological response to stress. As someone who has fallen asleep (more than once) mid-child’s pose, I can also attest that it can help you sleep better.

 

At Modernize, we like taking the time to enjoy a professionally led yoga class as much as anyone else, but sometimes hectic schedules and budget limitations make attending class a challenge. Why not create your own space for yoga in your bedroom? A few simple upgrades can transform your bedroom into your favorite yoga studio, complete with relaxing music and a wonderful eucalyptus scent that awakens your senses. Read on for tips to help you create a serene space for yoga within your bedroom. You’ll never have to worry about getting to a class on time again!

 

Clear the Clutter

The first principle of feng shui is to clear out clutter. An abundance of physical objects can create clutter in your mind, making you unable to concentrate as you become distracted by piles of books you have yet to read, bills that need to be paid, or a closet organization system still in its box awaiting assembly. Don’t just clear items that are in your line of sight either. Take items out of the room that shouldn’t be in the bedroom or your yoga space—televisions, computers, a treadmill, storage boxes. According to feng shui, when you clear the clutter, you create a path for energy to flow freely.

 

Via Modernize

 

Incorporate Design Elements that Feel Natural

You may love your bold red walls, but they’re not really conducive to relaxing. Create a tranquil, spa-like environment with soft neutrals, warm browns, and cool blues. Green can have a calming effect as well. You want to make your space feel light and airy. Ditch stark overhead lights and any kind of fluorescent lighting in favor of natural light and warm lamps. Choose natural fibers like cotton and linen when it comes to window coverings, bed linens, and rugs, too. Install a large mirror to make the space feel larger and to observe your body as you work on perfecting various poses.

 

Via Modernize

 

Play Soft Music to Minimize Distractions

The one downside to practicing yoga in your bedroom instead of a professional studio is that life still goes on around you while you practice. The phone may ring. Dogs may bark. Kids may knock on the door asking about breakfast. Let your family or roommates know that you’re setting aside time for yoga and that you would appreciate some quiet time. If possible, turn your ringer off and turn on some soft music to drown out the chaos around you. Experiment with nature sounds, ambient music, or classical music—whatever helps you clear your mind. Create a playlist on your smartphone that syncs up with how long you want to practice so that you don’t have to worry about looking at a clock or being jarred by an alarm. Invest in a wireless speaker so that you don’t have to navigate cords from headphones while working on difficult poses. Consider saving ten minutes at the end of your practice to do some guided meditation to help you ward off anxiety and stay focused throughout the day.

 

Via Mindy Schroder

 

Invest in a Yoga Mat

People have been practicing yoga for at least 5,000 years, which means yoga mats are a fairly new phenomenon. You don’t need one to practice, but it can be helpful (especially in a multi-functional space) in clearly defining your yoga space and serving as a tool to help you mentally switch gears into yoga mode. Your yoga mat will also provide you with all of the necessary padding and support you need, so whether your bedroom has carpet or hardwoods, you’ll be able to practice in comfort. The stickiness of the mat can also help you avoid slipping as you try new poses, and it will effectively absorb sweat. Just make sure to wipe it down with a natural antibacterial cleanser afterward to prevent germs and unpleasant odors.

 

Via Amazon

 

Experiment with Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy utilizes the aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of your body, mind, and spirit. According to WebMD, “Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves send impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.” You can incorporate aromatherapy into your practice easily by rubbing a few drops of essential oils into your hands and on your pulse points. You can also diffuse the scent throughout the room with a candle lamp. Candle lamps consist of a bowl of water over a small tea light-style candle. Add 6-10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup water in the bowl, and then light the candle. The flickering flame, coupled with the gentle release of aroma, will create a calming ambience for your practice.

 

Via Sun Yoga Way