The new year is a time when for a moment we are inspired to look over our habits and re-establish patterns in our days that match your values and what we want out of life. However, this time of year is also when I mostly want to just sleep. I don’t want to get up early to exercise or meditate. I want mindless rest and sweet unconsciousness until the sun returns. That is why my winter home yoga focuses on leaning into rest. I can’t stop the rest of my life from pulling me out of bed. A little mindful, intentional, rest, gentle stretching, moving in ways that just feel good. Sometimes just lying on the floor with binaural beats if I don’t have energy for anything else.

So, what props and items do I actually use in my winter home yoga practice?

I actually use a candle, music, cozy blankets, anything to help me feel like I’m setting aside time for magic. On a practical level I have a yoga mat, bolster, cork blocks, foam blocks, massage balls, a feetup inversion stool, and a yoga blanket. When needed I pull in extra pillows and blankets from household items. I have had years to accumulate the things that make my yoga practice feel easy. I also have a dedicated area with blank wall space. I love a wall yoga practice.

In the winter I try to reduce any areas of resistance or barriers to participation in my home practice because it is just too easy to let the days go by without practicing. I leave my yoga mat out with some basic props within reach. I keep a few short favorite practices top of my home yoga Notion page. I also try to focus on more restful practices and practice in the afternoon/evening. My yoga is my wind down time. My me time after work.

How does your home yoga practice shift in the winter months?