How to Begin a Home Practice

After years of going into the studio and loving practicing in community, I remember feeling like a deer in headlights the first time I was told that I needed to “have my own home practice.” Maybe you’ve wondered too? Whether it’s because of the commute, the stickershock or covid.

I could sense the great potential for freedom that might come, so I attempted to roll out my mat at home for the first time, but had no idea where to begin on my own. I had always been guided and the thought of guiding myself was somewhat terrifying, not to mention that when I looked around I needed to make a thing, clean a thing and cook a thing-so many distractions everywhere. The combination was overwhelming.

And, I now I know from talking to many students and teachers the feeling is not unique, though not difficult to overcome. Over the last few decades, I have cultivated a steady at-home practice and I love supporting others in doing the same as it can provide an opportunity to create a more intimate relationship with yourself, explore our own body, mind and spirit, and focus and listen and learn in unique ways.

Move a Coffee Table

One of the biggest reasons people don’t practice yoga at home is a lack of space. But the reality is that yoga happens from within, and the amount of physical space you need is a lot less than you probably think.

Look for an area of your home where you can roll out a mat and have a bit of extra space (a foot or so) surrounding each side. Pushing aside your coffee table, or perhaps you can spread out a mat at the foot of your bed, or even in your kitchen. Ideally, the surface would be made of a hard material, like wood or tile, but carpet can also work.

Wherever you end up carving out space, bring some intention to the area. You could build a small altar and fill it with meaningful items, install moody lighting and hang yoga-themed art on the wall. But these are all extras—not necessities. Simply lighting a candle can make your at-home yoga practice feel more inspired.

Props

If you’re just getting started with an at-home yoga practice, don’t worry about shelling out big bucks for studio-worthy props. Yoga has been practiced for 3,000-5,000 years—long before fancy mats were available. In fact, I practice without a mat as often as I have one.

Other props you may want or that can easily be replaced with regular items around your house:

Blocks or stack of books

Strap or scarf/dishtowel/necktie

Bolster or thick couch cushion/stack of pillows

Cushion or blanket(s) 

The key is dropping self-imposed limitations

That 75-minute vinyasa flow class at your favorite yoga studio might be an amazing weekly practice. And, also practicing yoga at home allows you to reap the long-term benefits of a regular practice—and that doesn’t mean you must devote a full 75-90min (or more) to your mat every single day.

It is more beneficial to do a little something every day (tapas), than a 60-to-90-minute class every once in a while. So if you want to turn your yoga practice into more of a daily habit, remember that a little can go a long way.

Prioritize time each day for practice—and allow it to be different each day. A 45-minute full yoga class early Monday morning might help kick off your week, while you might only have 10 minutes for sun salutations another day. By Sunday, your body might be needing a longer, slower, juicy restorative (soma) session. So, with a home practice you can really tune in to what your body needs, then give yourself the time and space to practice.

The key to having a sustained home practice is dropping self-imposed expectations. Your practice should be something you look forward to, and your expectations need to be realistic. You don’t have to practice for an hour and a half doing the full primary series of Ashtanga on bamboo floors, surrounded by fountains and statues of Ganesh. I always suggest showing up for a little something each day and noticing how your whole being shifts and changes.

And, if you need a boost of motivation to get on your mat every day, try KellyHeathYoga on-demand memberships. Free for One Month offer ends today.