Solo Yoga: 10 Do’s and Don'ts to Consider While Practising
So, you’ve decided to practice yoga solo? Good! From deep self-discovery to changing your practice, yoga alone offers many benefits. It’s the perfect fitness choice for busy office professionals and those who crave a convenient approach to wellness. But hey, do you know there are a few key considerations to keep in mind before unrolling a yoga mat?
In this blog, Ekattva Yogshala will share 10 essential do’s and don’ts to guide you on your solo yoga journey in 2024. By the end of this solo yoga blog, we bet you’ll be ready to transform your home into your yoga sanctuary!
Let’s start.
1 Do: Find your guiding star
Just like a sailor needs a destination, you need to set an intention for your practice. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you want to de-stress after a long day?
- Do you wish to improve flexibility?
- Is self-awareness the goal of solo yoga?
Once you’ve found your answer, write it down somewhere (say, in a notebook). A clear intention will guide your solo yoga practice and help you navigate towards your goals.
2 Don’t: Push yourself too hard
Unlike a group class with a yoga instructor, solo practice empowers you to be the navigator of your solo yoga journey. This freedom will let you listen intently to the whispers of your body. However, don’t be tempted to force yourself into asanas that feel like crashing waves. Because by doing so, you’ll risk injury or frustration.
Instead, proceed with gentle awareness. Respect your body’s limitations. This mindful exploration will lead you to a more sustainable and enjoyable yoga practice. Remember: Progress, not punishment, is the goal!
3 Do: Embrace modifications
Sometimes, achieving perfect yoga poses can feel like trying to dock your ship in a fierce crosswind. But what if we tell you that there’s a way to adjust the sails? Or in this case, modify a specific pose to suit your current needs? Yes, solo practice can grant you that flexibility! Don’t be afraid to use props like blocks and straps as stabilisers.
They will help you explore each yoga pose with greater comfort and safety. Keep in mind: A modified pose done with proper form is far-far beneficial than a forced pose that risks injury.
4 Don’t: Forget Your Anchor
Yoga experts at Ekattva Yogshala believe that breath is the anchor that keeps us grounded throughout the solo yoga voyage. When challenging asanas threaten to toss us about, practitioners easily forget to breathe. Focusing on your breath acts as a lifeline. It connects your movement with mindfulness.
As you flow through your practice, don’t forget to pay attention to your breath. Check if it is shallow or erratic (like a storm-tossed sea) or slow and steady (like calm waves lapping against the shore). Regulating your breath will make your mind calm and allow you to fully experience the depth of each pose.
5 Do: Create a dedicated space
One of the most important things to do is to create a dedicated space for your solo yoga practice. The goal is to cultivate a sanctuary that fosters calmness and minimize distractions. Find a quiet corner in your home that’s bathing in a calming light (most preferably natural sunlight).
A cherry on top? A space adorned with calming visuals like nature photographs and inspirational quotes. This dedicated area will be perfect for you to unfurl your mat, let go of daily stress, and embark on your inward journey with a sense of peace and focus.
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6 Do: Seek guidance from experts
Here’s the truth: even the most seasoned soldiers need guidance from their captains. Solo yoga practice is no different. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance to refine your technique and deepen your understanding. Utilize a variety of resources like online yoga classes, instructional apps, or even occasional yoga school sessions with experienced teachers.
These resources are no less than lighthouses guiding your way. They will offer you valuable insights and corrections to ensure you’re on the right course. In simple words, they can go a long way in maximizing the benefits of solo yoga practice.
7 Don’t: Compare Yourself to Others
Another useful tip to consider while practicing yoga on your own in 2024! The beauty of this practice lies in its personalized nature. It should be seen as a competition… A competition to see who can bend the deepest or achieve the most challenging pose. Resist the urge to compare your practice to others (whether yogis on social media or classmates in a group session).
Instead, focus on your journey. Celebrate your personal victories - big or small. Solo yoga practice is all about cultivating self-awareness and inner peace. Not external validation! Embrace your unique path and enjoy the unfolding journey of self-discovery.
8 Do: Celebrate your progress
Okay, we mentioned celebrating personal victories in the previous point, right? It’s time to discuss it in detail. Every voyage (no matter how long) is marked by milestones. The same holds true for your yoga practice. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, be it big or small.
Did you master a pose that once looked impossible? Did you finally achieve a deeper sense of relaxation during Savasana? Did you manage to touch your toes for the very first time? Take a moment to appreciate your progress. Celebrating your victories will fuel motivation. It will keep you committed to your practice!
9 Don’t: Skip warm up and cool down
Just as your car needs to be prepared before running for hours on highways, your body needs to be prepared for the physical demands of yoga. Therefore, don’t neglect warm-up before starting the actual practice. This will loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow, preventing injuries in the process.
Similarly, a proper cool-down will allow your body to gently transit back to a resting state. It will flush out toxins and promote relaxation.
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10 Do: Be patient and consistent
Our blog will be considered incomplete without discussing this point. See, walking the yoga path on your own requires patience and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Remember, even the most graceful yogis you see online have put in years of dedicated practice.
Focus on showing up for your mat regularly. Doesn’t matter if it’s just for 20-30 minutes. With consistent effort, you’ll notice remarkable improvements in your flexibility, strength, and overall well-being over time.
Just embrace the journey. Savor the process. And most importantly, enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with steady progress!
Practicing Yoga Solo: Final Words
Above are 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when practicing yoga on your own in 2024. Remember, your solo practice is a unique and continuously evolving journey. Therefore, embrace the freedom and personalize it to fit your needs and goals.
For those seeking additional guidance or a more immersive experience, Ekattva Yogshala offers a variety of online and offline programs that will complement your solo practice. Explore our library of on-demand yoga classes, workshops, and guided meditations today!
Got any queries to ask? Send them to info@spiritualpunditz.com and have them answered by our yoga experts.
