It’s been a hot minute since I wrote a Yoga themed blog post but considering the absolute bloody state of this year so far, I figured a restorative yoga at home related post might come in quite handy for a lot of people who are completely and utterly drained by 2020. Including yours truly. I mean, come New Years Day, we’re all going to look back and wonder whether we hallucinated the whole damn thing.
Photo by Sonnie Hiles on Unsplash
If you’ve been reading my blog for long enough, you know that I never miss the opportunity to big up Yoga and preach about how beneficial it is. I try NOT to sound too preachy but it’s hard when something feels SO GOOD and you want other people to experience the amazing benefits from it that you get. I know, I know, Yoga isn’t for everyone. I’m fine with it. I promise.
My restorative Yoga at home has played a huge part in the last few months for me. I’ve always said that as soon as I roll out and step on my mat, all my worries tend to slip away. It’s one of the only times in the day where I feel totally myself. Where I feel completely safe. And utterly supported and connected to the Universe and powers that be. But in 2020, that’s become even more prevalent in my life.
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Yoga is one of my favourite forms of self care. And if you’re ready to try some restorative Yoga at home but perhaps you don’t know where to start, then this post is for you. I’m going to be sharing some of my tips for practicing restorative Yoga at home as well as some Yoga With Adriene recommendations I think you’ll love!
Tips for doing restorative yoga at home:
Get mega comfortable for your practice
This is restorative Yoga at home. No cameras. No other people. No-one to impress. So make sure you’re extra comfortable in what you’re wearing to really make the most of your practice. Thing comfiest lounge-wear, hoodies if it’s chilly or even just doing it in your pajamas.
Bring something extra
For comfy and cozy Yoga, I always like to bring something extra. When I know I’m not stepping on my mat for the purpose of a workout or power Yoga, I love to take it super easy and get extra cozy. So you might consider lighting a candle, grabbing a blanket or making a cup of herbal tea to compliment your practice.
Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed
As with anything relaxing, you don’t want to be disturbed or surrounded by noise and mayhem. That’ll do the complete opposite of what you’re hoping for! So for your restorative practice, try and find somewhere quiet or at least tell the people in your house not to disturb you for the duration of your practice.
Don’t be scared of your emotions
With restorative Yoga practices, I find that I feel more emotions. Whilst during power Yoga, I’m more focused on the poses and what my body is getting out of it, during restorative Yoga it’s allll about the emotions and how you’re feeling. So if you find you’re getting emotional for whatever reason, don’t fight it. Let it come.
5 restorative Yoga at home practices to try:
Yoga With Adriene is my go-to when it comes to at home Yoga practice. She is the QUEEN of the at home practice and I am so dedicated to her practices, it feels wrong when I use anyone else! Although I have no doubt that there are many other incredible online Yoga teachers out there. She has a vast range of practices on her YouTube channel but below I’ve recommended 5 restorative practices that will help you switch off, de-stress and relax.
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Yoga for Healing and Meditation – 28 minutes: This is one of my favourite practices to do. Like, of ALL her practices. And she has A LOT. It’s so calming and relaxing and really helps you go inwards and focus on you and your breath. I love to do this practice at night before bed, which have have an incredible affect on your quality of sleep.
Yoga To Slow Your Roll – 16 minutes: This is a great little practice that requires little effort and not much time, so it’s ideal to fit into a busy day. You get some really get stretches in the legs and lower back during this practice and it’s designed to help you slow down. Which I think is something we ALL need to help us start living a more intentional lifestyle.
Yoga for Relaxation – 33 minutes: I mean, it does what it says on the tin. Yoga to help you relax. And golly gosh, don’t we all need to freaking RELAXXXX a bit after this year so far? I remember doing this practice a lot in the beginning, when I was suffering really bad with my anxiety.
Yoga for Vulnerability – 35 minutes: This video was released at just the right time and I remember practicing this one right at the start of lockdown and it was absolutely perfect for how I was feeling at that moment in time. Although things have changed and we’re starting to get used to this new normal, we all feel vulnerable at times.
Yoga To Heal Stress – 20 minutes: A great little practice to help you heal stress. Whatever stress you have in your life. This is a short one, so handy to fit into your busy day as well. It’s a really sweet practice that will help you remember to put yourself first.