Busy lives and overflowing teaching schedules can make it challenging to get to your own yoga practice in. The best way to avoid this issue is to create your own home yoga and meditation space.
In case you missed my previous blogs on meditation, you can check them out here:
In this post, I’ll be sharing why everyone needs a personal relaxation space, simple tips for creating one, props to use, and ideas for decorating your space.
And if after creating your cozy meditation space, you want to make your practice stick, you can check out the Start Meditating Now course.
Prefer videos? Watch How to Create a Home Yoga and Meditation Space:
why you need a meditation space
Through various research and studies, we know yoga and meditation have a long list of benefits:
π Improved heart health
π Boosted immunity
π΄ Better sleep
π€ Enhanced mood
π§ Improved memory
Just because you can’t make it to a studio doesn’t mean you have to lose out on these stress reducing benefits. A few quiet minutes in your home meditation space provides these incredible benefits while also refilling your teaching cup.
π Plus, creating a designated space in your home will motivate you to use it, and help make meditation a regular practice.
Your meditation space can also be used for reading, journaling, listening to music, preparing for your classes, or unwinding from a long day.
3 tips for creating a meditation space
Now that you’ve decided you need your very own yoga and meditation space, what do you need to do next? Here are three simple tips for creating one:
#1 Decide the space
Scope out your home. If you have a spare room you can turn into your very own yoga and meditation space, GREAT.
However, it doesn’t have to be large, or permanent, especially if you’re limited on space. Maybe you can move stuff around to find the ideal spot. Look for something that can provide comfort, quiet, and privacy.
If you want something for only reading, relaxing, and meditation, a chair in front of a window may be all you need. And don’t dismiss the power of a quiet corner in your closet away from screaming kids.
#2 Minimize distractions
Think minimalism. Be intentional with your space. Strive for an area that is clutter free, distraction free, and worry free.
If you don’t have a room with a door, a screen or curtain may help block out distractions while also defining the space.
Minimizing distractions also includes eliminating as much technology as possible: phones, tablets, computers, etc. If you use your phone or iPad for yoga classes, meditation apps, or guided meditations, put it on airplane mode.
#3 Make it yours
Once you’ve selected your space, make it yours. We all have different styles and tastes, so only you know what will bring you peace and comfort, what will instill relaxation.
When you think of a yoga or meditation space, what words pop into your mind?
For me, it’s cozy, comfortable, self-care, grounding, and nurturing. So as I made the space mine, I made sure each item, prop, and decor that I allowed into the space fit those descriptions.
PROPS FOR YOUR meditation space
π All you need for meditation is you.
However, props and meditation aids can make the practice more accessible and encourage you to keep at it.
Here’s a list of possible props you can use for your yoga and meditation space:
- Yoga mat for practicing asanas and extra cushion.
- Rug to define the space and make it cozy.
- Blanket and socks to ward off chills.
- Meditation cushion, pillow, or chair for back, hip and knee support.
- Straps, blocks, and bolsters for postures, relaxation.
- Mala or prayer beads to count breaths or mantras.
You probably won’t need all the props, but it will take time to test out what works best for you. Plus, no two practices are ever the same. What you need to today may be completely different tomorrow.
IDEAS FOR YOUR meditation space
Remember to be intentional with your decor. Start with a few items and bring in more, or change out as you feel the need. Seasons can also dictate your selections.
Another suggestion when decorating your space is to focus on your five senses. As you choose items to include think about your sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste.
#1 Meditation altar
Many people like a table or altar for their meditation space/room.
Altar means “high place” and often reflects spirituality and sacredness. The items placed on the altar hold significance and importance.
Some items for your sacred space might include:
- Flowers
- Tarot, affirmation, or oracle cards
- Feathers, seashells, stones
- Photos, quotes, or art
- Statues
- Spiritual or religious symbols
- Crystals
- Books
Your meditation altar and the items on it can engage your sense of sight. (Although when I meditate, I usually close my eyes.)
#2 Sounds
Having music while you meditate can be beneficial and appeals to your sense of hearing.
Try singing bowls or Tibetan bells. Or you might enjoy nature sounds like ocean waves or the rainforest. You could bring in a small water feature that mimics a waterfall.
I enjoy a relaxing, instrumental playlist or a spa music channel on one of my music apps.
As with everything you bring in to your sanctuary make sure it enhances your ability to meditate. If you find any type of sound distracting, silence is okay, too. This is known as Vipassana meditation.
#3 Smell
MindJournal.com states, “smell evokes psychological states of mind, both negative and positive, and trigger instantaneous reflexes. It can subtly influence our thoughts and emotions.”
That’s because our limbic system processes not only emotions, moods, and memories, but scents and odor too.
For example, for many people, chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven conjure happy childhood memories.
When you want to relax for meditation, scents such asΒ lavendar, vanilla, citrus, jasmine, and bergamot promote feelings of calm. Peppermint and grapefruit can boost your energy after meditation.
If you enjoy any of these scents, you can find them in essential oils, reed diffusers, incense, and scented candles.
#4 Cozy materials
There’s nothing more inviting than a plush, downy hotel bed. Delight your sense of touch by bringing in those same qualities to your meditation space.
Neutral colors decrease overstimulation and allow for calm and relaxation. Textural materials lend a welcoming and warm feel, and layering items can amplify the cozy quotient.
A soft rug over a seagrass mat. Chunky knitted blanket storied in an artisan basket. Plush throw pillows in different shapes. A tapestry or natural, woven wall hanging.
Finally, choose eye- and touch-pleasing fabrics for your meditation cushion and bolster.
#5 Lighting
When you practice yoga and meditation which do you prefer? A light and open area or a dimmer environment?
Maybe time of day determines what you enjoy: mornings by the window and evenings with low lights to ease into bedtime.
If you like your space well-lit, choose a spot near a window so you can take advantage of natural light and get a dose of Vitamin D. Both are relaxing and elevate your mood.
For darker spaces, use flameless candles, rope or twinkling lights, and my favorite, the salt lamp. Salt lamps are made from Himalayan pink salt and are said to purify the air and improve your mood.
#6 Journals & Pens
Calming racing thoughts and focusing wandering minds is the most common complaint for new meditation practitioners. One technique I recommend is journaling.
Spending a few minutes writing your thoughts and feelings before you meditate will help your mind “relax.” Instead of worrying over a specific thought, you can remind yourself you’ve already written it down and move on.
Journaling is also a great for after your session too. Use it to extend your time in quiet solitude, to better understand your feelings, or to express your gratitude.
Another way to combine journaling and meditation is to pull an oracle or affirmation card. You can reflect on its message before or after meditating and record your thoughts.
Brew a cup of flavored tea to enjoy while journaling and you’ve incorporated your sense of taste too.
#7 Plants
Plants provide oxygen and eat up CO2. In other words, they purify the air. Bringing in plants can also add warmth and coziness to a space, and provide a way to enjoy the outdoors inside.
Feng shui, the practice of balancing elements in your home, suggests lucky bamboo, certain jade plants, and rubber trees if you want to attract luck and prosperity.
Be sure to check lighting and watering needs before you purchase live plants. Or if you have a black thumb like me, go for realistic-looking fake ones.
FINAL TIPS FOR YOUR meditation space
Remember all you need to meditate is you. Personal items, plush materials, and meditation tools can add to your experience, but it isn’t necessary.
Choose a place and the accessories with the goal of consistently showing up and practicing.
Finally, you don’t have to run out and purchase everything either. Shop your own home as you’re setting up your area especially your altar. Over time, as you find things that speak to you, you can add them.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS FOR YOUR SPACE
π Yoga + Meditation Spaces on Pinterest
Or you can shop these suggestions at Amazon π
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