COVID-19 has taken centre stage. It’s flooding our news feeds and minds and conversations. Nothing else in recent times has ever had that kind of impact. It’s changing the life of every single person on the planet. Our own personal health and wellness and the health and wellness of those around us have become the predominant focus of each day.

And so suddenly, out of nowhere, yoga is in the news. It feels like every published list of tips on how to survive these turbulent times contains a yoga practice. Yoga is an effective way to support your mental, emotional and physical health by keeping your body moving, connecting with the breath, and calming your mind – and all within the confines of your own home. Of course, the yoga community has been highlighting the clear benefits of a regular yoga practice for many years, but maybe it takes a global pandemic to stimulate a wider awareness across society as a whole.

We are all at different stages on our own personal yoga journey. Some are just starting out; some are experienced practitioners. But for every single one of us, yoga will take on a fresh significance at this difficult time.

A word for those who have never practised yoga before

Don’t be scared. Lay aside your expectations and fears around what ‘yoga’ is. It’s not an inaccessible practice overflowing with strange words and chants, impossible poses and mystical woo-woo. Yoga is for every body, regardless of age, size, flexibility and fitness level. Anyone who can breathe can do yoga.

Don’t expect to find the right type of yoga class and right teacher who appeals to you straight away. This really is a ‘suck it and see’ adventure and will take time and patience. But be assured: if you seek, you will find. Search for Beginners Yoga online and simply have a go. You can also check out the new Yogamatters Live Online Events Page for information on a wide range of online yoga classes.

You don’t need any fancy equipment to start practising yoga in your home. However, it can be helpful to set out your clear intention to practise by changing into yoga wear and creating a yoga space by rolling out a yoga mat.

Don’t give up. It will feel weird at first and you may not get the immediate results you’re hoping for. This is an individual journey and you should never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Bring curiosity and not judgement to your practice. This is about you getting to know your body and breath better, nothing else. Go at your own speed. Find what works for you and go with that.

Suggested read: 10 tips for beginners starting a yoga practice

A word for those who normally attend regular yoga classes but have never practised at home before

For many of us, our regular yoga class has become one of the highlights of our week. We depend on this scheduled time as an oasis of calm and light in our busy and often stressful lives. We’ve come to rely on our yoga teacher for inspiration and encouragement. We value our face to face connection with other members of our local yoga community.

And for the moment, all of that has forced to stop. It’s time to develop a home practice. So maybe you’ve been forced to take this step before you feel ready for it but developing a home practice is part of an evolving yoga journey.

Firstly, check out your regular yoga teacher’s website and/or social media. They may well be offering individual support, a community chat or online classes. If not, search for yoga classes online that are similar in style to what you are already used to (if your regular class is simply called ‘Yoga’, that is probably Hatha yoga). While you’re developing a new habit of home practice, stick with what you know and is familiar to you. You can also check out the new Yogamatters Live Online Events Page (link – https://www.yogamatters.com/blog/ecategory/live-online-yoga-class/) for information on a wide range of online yoga classes.

Decide on a regular time for your home practice. Be realistic so that you will be able to stick to it. You may decide on two hour-long yoga classes a week or a shorter daily practice of 20 minutes a day and create a space in your home for your yoga practice.

Suggested read: 10 Steps to Starting a Home Yoga Practice

A word for those who already have a regular home practice

So, you know what you’re doing. You have your home practice sorted: your time and space set aside, your chosen teacher, class or practice. But even for you, everything about your regular routine has probably changed.

Therefore, you may need to bring in some flexibility to your regular routine. Your body may be needing more physical exertion now that you are unable to exercise in the same way as previously. Your headspace may feel more cluttered than normal and need a more structured practice. Anxiety may be leaving you more exhausted and in need of a more restorative yoga practice.

Listen to your body and mind and adapt your practice to meet your current needs. Have a look at the new Yogamatters Live Online Events Page for information on a wide range of online yoga classes if you need inspiration.

Suggested read: The Yogamatters Guide to Schools of Yoga

A word for those who are yoga teachers and studio owners

The world is looking to you for answers, you know that, right? The spotlight is on you. Is that how it feels right now? There’s a burden on you as yoga and wellness professionals to be supporting the health and wellness of everyone around you. Your regular timetable and income streams have ceased and you’re feeling the pressure to take your teaching online.

But first, stop. Take a moment and breathe. You need to be modelling self-care right now more than ever. Others are looking to you as a role model, looking for you to demonstrate in your own life how to protect your own emotional, mental and physical health through these turbulent times.

So you may need to withdraw for a while. You may need to focus on your own practice. You may not feel able to experiment with filming live classes. And that’s perfectly OK. It really is. You are your own teacher and guide. Speak with wisdom to your own heart as you would to your students.

If you are taking your classes online, Yogamatters are offering a way for you to publicise your classes on their Live Online Events Page (link – https://www.yogamatters.com/blog/ecategory/live-online-yoga-class/).

In terms of a practice, do what feels right for you, whether that is your regular practice or learning a new style of yoga (which is great for reconnecting with what it is to be a beginner!). Explore, experiment, enjoy. Fall in love with your personal practice all over again.

Suggested read: How to set up Live Yoga Classes Using Zoom

A word for those on the frontlines of this pandemic

Thank you. We are not all isolating at home, we know that. You are rarely in your own home. You are on the frontline, caring and providing for others in some way. You are working around the clock to keep us safe. The pressure you are under is immense.

We are grateful.

Whilst a regular yoga practice may not be available to you right now, stepping onto your mat at any time of day for any length of time can still make a world of difference. Try a restorative yoga practice and allow yoga to nurture your body and nourish your soul. You’ll find a variety online. Yoga Nidra is also an amazingly effective relaxation.

Suggested read: Unlocking the secrets of Yoga Nidra

A final word for all of us

Yoga will help us all get through this. It has not let us down before.

Author: Helen Redfern

Source: https://www.yogamatters.com/blog/is-yoga-really-going-to-help-us-get-through-this/

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