They say when practising Yoga you may come face to face with your greatest fears.

Little did I know that twenty minutes into my home practice that would be getting caught in the avalanche of a falling stack of unwashed laundry.

Next time it could be facing the mysteries beneath the sofa.

We’ve all been there; interpreting self-care as “lets sign up to a 6am class every day this week” and as the week goes by … its one point to the cancel button and another ten points to guilt, as we feel that creep of shame that we didn’t manage to keep up with our heavy expectations.

The thing about Yoga is it is your sidekick, it’s your back-pocket tool, your winning card in the deck, it’s the one-liner you should’ve come back with in high school. Its got your back (literally).

You need to be able to call on it when you need it and often, that’s not in a patchouli-scented class. Life’s not that convenient. Anxiety doesn’t have a schedule of when it’s going to hit.

Developing a home practice for yourself, has never been more necessary or important but when your home doesn’t have a Pinterest vibe (me either), what’s a Yogi to do?

Surround yourself with little pieces of magic that make you feel good. Our brains, the clever things they are, pick up on cues which in turn direct our emotions and nervous system to fall into a certain state. Create your cues and rituals to guide yourself into a feeling. Because that’s the real Yoga anyway: the surrender, the feeling, the sweetness. The coming home to yourself. At home.

Here’s our way to create your own Home Studio. Practicing in your Pyjamas optional.

Find Your Soul Mat

Consider this your magic carpet; destination out of your mind. I always found it at odds with a practice that’s to connected to nature to be practicing on a toxic PVC mat. So I started Yogi Bare to provide accessible eco-friendly mats that were incredibly high performance. No slipping from down dog to plank to faceplant anymore, our mats are super grippy and thick and stable enough not to budge on carpet or hard wooden floor. My personal favourite is the Yogi Bare Lunar Paws, its etched with teeny lunar cycles, mountains and ocean symbolism to help us feel connected to the wider elements and was created to donate to Sea Shepherd and direct ocean conservation.

Obsessories

If it sparks joy, keep it, am I right Marie? If it looks beautiful then you’ll more likely to use it; that was my theory when developing our accessories line of Yogi Bare blocks and straps in a range of irresistible tye-dye effects and gorgeous prints. Sometimes props can seem like a step backwards but actually, they are invaluable to building strength, alignment and unlocking flexibility … as well as creating some delicious setups for restorative and relaxing.

Lighting

Time to light up your life! Science has got this ones back with studies showing how Light Therapy can counter SAD, Anxiety and Depression and overexposure to blue light. Do your brain a favour and create a sanctuary that will allow you to feel and heal throughout your practice. Natural Sunlight is incredibly energising for an AM practice – with a hit of vitamin D – but in the evening take it low and boost relaxing melatonin. Bathe in candlelight or for something extra special I love these Solar-powered Mood Orbs by the Solar Centre – to feel like you are practising amongst the moon.

Scent

Scent is a huge player in my practice. I find it can totally transport and transform my emotions. I find the ritual of preparing or lighting blends incredible soothing, perhaps because it’s an ancient practice that goes well beyond the now and is deeply connected to plants and the earth.

I sometimes find myself singing Smudge it Off to the tune of Taylor Swift as I cleanse my space after a wonky day.

Smudged do some gorgeous sage bundles and I adore this gorgeous 3 in 1 ritual Bowl from Orenda Ceramics to bring it all together in a special way

But if you don’t know where to start, Grapefruit essential oil is a personal favourite for uplifting qualities.

Acupressure

A super special addition to any home studio for when you really want to let go but lack the energy for a vigorous practice. A modern reboot to the ancient bed of nails, our Yogi Bare Acupressure mat works in a similar way to acupuncture.

Sound

We’ve all lost ourselves in the euphoria of music, the way it moves through us is hypnotic. It slices through the white noise and romances us to being fully present. My favourite album to practice to at the moment is the newly released Flow State by masters of the trance Above & Beyond. Flow State is an ambient soundscape journey which makes you feel so utterly whole. Renowned Yogi Elena Brower weaves her magic in melodic meditation throughout. Its really moving stuff… It was an honour to create the official Flow State Yoga Mat featuring eternal organic shape. I mean if you like it put a mat on it right?

Plants

Not to go all tree hugger on you but bringing nature indoors helps you feel grounded and also increases oxygen levels giving us a wellbeing boost. Plus is pretty cool to know they are inhaling and exhaling alongside us. Grab a cutie indoor plant from our faves Patch.