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You know the feeling you get when you walk into a yoga studio. As soon as you step over the threshold, your body picks up signals that it’s time to destress. You take a deep breath and start to relax as the space soothes your senses and calms your mind. If you miss that feeling when you’re doing yoga at home, here are some budget-friendly ways to bring studio vibes into your own practice space.
1. Find Room
Assess how space is being used in your home right now. Any underutilised area can potentially be yogified: a spare room that hasn’t seen much action lately, your college student’s former bedroom, the dining room that’s gathering dust. If you’ve already claimed one of these spaces as your office, consider if it might serve both purposes. A relaxing work environment is an added benefit.
If you have a small apartment, you’ll have be a little more flexible in carving out your yoga nook. You only need enough space to roll out your mat and store a few props. Designate a corner of your bedroom or living room and bring out a few special items like essential oils or candles (see below) to set the mood when it’s time to practice. Or maybe your whole place could benefit from a yoga studio makeover?
2. Declutter
If you’re repurposing a room, move as much furniture as possible out or to the periphery. If you can’t remove it, cover it. Use curtains or screens to delineate spaces and hide messes. Out of sight is out of mind when it comes to your work files or storage shelves. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough for right now.
Once you’ve moved the unnecessary things out, move a few well-chosen, useful things in. A big basket makes an attractive place to store your yoga mats and other props, like blankets and blocks. If you like to take online classes, it’s helpful to have a table or stand to raise your laptop off the floor so it’s easier to see. You can put speakers for music there as well.
3. Lighting
Natural light is ideal, but you can change the feeling of a room with the right lamps. A floor lamp with a sculptural paper shade casts a friendly glow. Battery-powered (rechargeable, of course!) candles create ambience without creating a fire hazard.
4. Scents
We all know that smell is a powerful trigger for memory and emotions. Yoga studios often smell of incense, essential oils, or palo santo, so bringing scent into your home space will instantly associate it with the studio you love. An oil diffuser is your best bet. If you do burn incense, make sure it’s in a safe holder and extinguish it before you start to practice so you don’t have to worry about it.
5. Decorate
A fresh coat of paint immediately transforms a space. Cheer things up with vivid colours, either as accents or on a whole wall, or go with a soothing neutral palette. Either way, your room will feel cleaner and brighter.
Add a little shelf or table to feature a few objects that are significant to you, like photos or things from nature. (This can double as your laptop station and/or props storage solution.) You don’t have to stick to things that are associated with yoga. Choose anything that lifts your spirits and focuses your attention.
Plants are always a good idea. If you don’t have enough light, use dried grasses or flowers. Pinterest and yoga Instagram are great places to get inspiration for wall hangings and art. Express yourself and your home yoga space will soon be as inviting as your favourite studio.
Home Practice Tip:
If you’re new to home practice, check out our complete guide!
