Yoga Tips

Practice

It is best to practice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and when the mind is peaceful and the external world is quiet. However, if this is not possible, any time put aside to connect with yourself in yoga is the right time, whether that be in the morning, day, afternoon or evening.

Lightness

Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. If this is not possible, allow at least two hours after eating before practice, so that your stomach is light.

Comfort

Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing made of natural, non-synthetic fibres so that your skin can breathe through the fabric. Don’t wear shoes or socks so that you have maximum contact with the ground. If possible, practice in a warm, dry environment out of direct sunlight and wind. A flat surface is good for balance and it helps achieve correct alignment.

Props

You can use yoga props to help get into some of the yoga postures and also to help hold them comfortably. Props can help with balance, coordination, stretching forwards, opening the chest, inverting and twisting.

Sacred Space

Find a quiet place away from any possible distractions to ensure a focused yoga practice. Do not answer your phone and tell your family or housemates you’re not to be disturbed. Be with yourself totally.

Breathing

Always breathe through your nose, unless it is blocked. Practice deep, full, slow inhalation and exhalation breaths. Aim to make the inhalation time equal to the exhalation time. Follow the breathing instructions given with postures. Using the breath in practice will deepen your experience of the postures and will also help to prevent injuries. Use the inhalation to lift and extend and the exhalation to soften and release downwards.

Safety

Be sensitive and listen to what your body needs. If you are menstruating, avoid inverted postures or those that are going to make you feel tired. If you are pregnant, consult a prenatal yoga teacher for postures specifically designed for the safety and comfort of you and your baby. While the practice of yoga is beneficial to health and wellbeing on many levels, if you have a known or suspected illness or disease, consult a medical professional before attempting the yoga postures and see a remedial yoga teacher for postures that will suit your individual needs.

Becoming Aware Of The Breath

The breath is the giver of life. As we inhale, we not only draw what the physical body needs, but we also take in an essence of life known as prana. This all-pervading life force, which is available to us at all times, is the subtle energy that feeds our soul. Prana gives us inspiration and connects us with our higher or true self. Therefore, we need to breathe well and deeply. And fundamental to the practice of yoga is deep, full breathing.