Prepare for your practice

There are a few steps you can take before you begin your daily yoga practice to help you ease into it without distractions or interruptions.

1. Declutter the physical space:  If the space where you practice is cluttered, you will inevitably be more easily distracted, and less likely to focus on the yoga itself.  
2. Clear bowels and bladder:  A clean, clear system makes it easier and more comfortable to practice forward folds, twists, back bends and all other postures.
3. Eat a larger meal 2-3 hours before or a smaller meal or snack 1-2 hours before:  We don’t want the body to be using up all its energy on digestion while we practice.  Practicing on a full stomach is also quite uncomfortable.  Since several poses tend to force out gas, avoid gas inducing foods before yoga.
4. Drinking eight ounces of water slowly at least 30 minutes before yoga is beneficial to maintain hydration. If possible, avoid drinking water immediately before or during class. In addition to making our physical bodies feel inflated, consuming large amounts of water before or during a practice also interferes with our energy bodies; one theory says that sipping during yoga practice is akin to pouring water over our inner fire as we try to build it.
5. Turn your phone or ringer off and put away any other potential distractions.  It is otherwise too tempting to check our phones while practicing.  If at all possible, leave your phone in another room!
6. Make sure you have all your equipment ready and available.  This will avoid interruptions and help you maintain your flow.

Whether it is for 10 or 60 minutes, honor yourself for getting on your mat and taking time for your well-being today!