Blog Post

We are all in unchartered territory these days. Staying home to protect ourselves and others. Keeping yourself healthy in both mind and body is of utmost importance. Now there’s no better time to keep and maintain positive vibes in your Cornerstone home!  Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’re ready to get started, remember the practice of yoga will not only keep you active while you’re spending time indoors, it’ll boost your mood, improve your physical health, and help you stay centered even when the world outside might not seem like it is!

Pick a Cozy Corner

One of the best things about yoga is that you can do it from just about anywhere and anytime! If you like to practice first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed, you could set up a nice spot on the floor of your master bedroom. If you want a little variety, you could practice in your great room, courtyard, or optional sunroom or den on different days. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable wherever you are. 

If you have a yoga mat, that’s great — if not, you can order one online or even use a blanket. The same thing goes for a yoga cushion; you can always use your favorite pillow! After you’ve decided on a cozy corner to set up your “mini yoga studio,” fill the area with everything that makes you calm (think simple flowers, plants, a diffuser, a few candles). Once you’re all set up, you’re ready to experience the magic...

Set an Intention

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you may have been asked at the beginning to set a Sankalpa, or an “intention.” Because yoga is all about mindfulness and improving your physical and mental well-being, it’s helpful to start out each practice session by recognizing “a quality of virtue you want to cultivate more of in your life.” Once you have something positive in mind, you have a “center” to focus on during your practice.

Looking for a little inspiration? You don’t have to think outside the box; short, simple mantras often make the best intentions. For example, “I am aware,” “I am grateful,” and “I am at peace,” are perfect intentions to not only start out your yoga session, but even your day! Take a look at a few effective intentions and find one that works best for you and your goals. 

Find Your Favorite Moves

From ashtanga to restorative to vinyasa, there are so many different types of yoga out there — but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect kind for you. In fact, if you’re a beginner, you can start as “small” as you want, and start working on a few basic moves that make you feel great. Take this easy online quiz to find a few poses that are perfect to start with, whether your ultimate goal is to reduce stress, increase flexibility, or simply to try something completely new! 

One of the greatest things about yoga is while it’s all about focusing and working on yourself, there’s a worldwide community of people who share a collective passion for this practice — which means you have a multitude of resources at your disposal at any time. Whether you’re looking for easy-to-learn beginner poses, an online yoga class for guidance and to feel connected with others, or even an overview of the teachings of yoga, the internet is your best friend when it comes to your new hobby. You can find anything you’re looking for with a simple search.

Reap the Benefits

The mental and physical health benefits of yoga are plentiful, and one of the many reasons that so many people find such joy in this practice every single day. When you’re physically working your body through yoga techniques, you increase your flexibility, and muscle strength and tone, improve respiration, energy, cardio and circulatory health, and athletic performance, maintain a balanced metabolism, and protect yourself from injury.

If that’s not enough, the mental health benefits are just as abundant. Yoga leads to a major reduction in stress, which is manifested in your physical well-being as well. Because stress can affect your daily life, from your sleep to your ability to concentrate on certain things, being able to free yourself of stress and feel calm and positive is truly a beautiful thing. In our active adult communities, designed for you to live a happier, healthier lifestyle, yoga is one of the many practices that makes your days even more blissful. 

Show your body and mind some love. Homes in our active adult communities are designed with areas that include flex spaces, private courtyards, and bonus rooms and lofts. The perfect spaces to start practicing yoga. All you need is a comfortable place to sit and a positive attitude… say it with us: “ommmm.”

No matter what techniques or teachings you relate to most, you’re bound to find the inner peace that you’re looking for with yoga. No matter where you are today, please stay safe, healthy, and protect others by staying home.   … namaste.