There are so many benefits of going to a regular Yoga class but sometimes life happens and we can't make it. As we practice more regularly we become more aware of how we are feeling and reacting to things. In a home practice we can choose what our body needs in that particular day or moment. Here are a few tips to getting started and staying consistent in your home practice.  

Feeling a little nervous about attending your first ever Yoga class? No worries! Checkout our top tips for attending your first Yoga class.

• Check the class description for the appropriate level and style. Yoga classes vary massively in style. Some classes are very physical and athletic, aiming to make you sweat and give you a challenge, whilst other classes aim slowly stretch and calm the body and mind. Check that the class is open to beginners and that the class style is what you want.
• Arrive a little early incase you need to sign in or fill out any paper work and have time to speak with the teacher before the class.  Let them know it is your first time practicing Yoga. Inform him/her about any medical condition or injures and any other concerns you may have about the class.
• Wear comfortable work out clothes similar to what you would wear to the gym minus the sneakers. Yoga is done barefoot. For a hot Yoga class bring a bottle of water and if you sweat a lot bring along a small clean towel.
• Don’t practice on a full stomach. Yoga postures can feel very uncomfortable if you have just eaten. Food is energy so make sure you eat but go for a smaller portions such as a banana or healthy snack about an hour before class. ​
• Check if the studio has mats available. Most studios will have Yoga mats to use or rent but it helps to check in advance. Some people like to use their own mat for hygiene purposes which is fine as well. If you borrowed a mat wipe it down after class.

Thanks for Reading! 
If you found this useful or have any other Yoga related questions. Please leave comments below. 

The Seventh main energy centre in the body is the Crown Chakra. It is located at the crown of the head. It is known as Sahasrana, or the thousand petal lotus and allows us to be spiritual beings beyond our physical existence. It is our consciousness and pure awareness. When Sahasrana is overly active we may feel lost, confused and over sensitive to our environment. Or when this energy centre is blocked we may feel lonely, unconnected to others and lack direction and purpose in life. When balanced we feel positivity, have life force flowing through us, an open mind and become connected to others and the world.

In our physical Yoga practice inversions such as supported headstand are great for the crown chakra, as well as postures where you lengthen up through the centre of the body such as mountain and tree pose. And one of our favorites...Savasana also know as Corpse Pose (where we lie down at the end of a Yoga class) helps to calm and balance the crown chakra. 

Here are some tips for balancing the Crown Chakra. 

• Meditate. Try sitting in quiet reflection, focusing fully on the task at hand or simply sit and focus on your breath to bring yourself into the present moment.
• Try Reiki. A Reiki healer help to balanace the whole chakra system by light touch, reducing stress and promoting the bodies nature healing process.
• Be in Nature. Being with nature, see, feel and experience the amazing connectedness of all things.
• Positive Affirmation. (see above)
• ​Love Yourself. Self love is the key to loving others and all things. Accept and love yourself fully as you are now and let the love expand to others.

The sixth main chakra is know as Ajna, the third eye chakra. Anja is related to our ability to see things as they are without them being clouded by the ego. It is located in the space between the eyebrow and slightly in towards the brain. When the chakra is out of balance we may be judgmental to others, overly intellectual in our thinking and even delusional. Physical symptoms include frequent headaches and migraines. When balanced we able to express ourselves and make our dreams a reality. We feel the sense of connection with others and the world. How wonderful! 

When we do our Physical Yoga practice we can use our Drishti ( gazing point). We focus on a single point e.g.: gazing in towards the navel when we are in a downward dog or up at our fingertips in triangle. This helps to still the mind by reducing distraction from external objects, people and happenings. This could be from noticing someones colourful Yoga attire to a bird flying past the window. Over time as we practice using drishti we can come into deep concentration and help balance the Third Eye Chakra.  Balancing postures in Yoga such as tree and dancers pose are also add an extra layer of focus an concentration. 

Here are a few more tips to help balance the Ajna Chakra.

• Don't overthink. Try not to overthink and analyze everything, instead notice how you 'feel'.
• Trust yourself. Instead of seeking the validation and advice straight away from others, spend some time with yourself and see if you can trust your own inner wisdom to guide you.
• Go out in the sunshine. Get some vitamin D and take some quiet time to be with nature. Focus your attention on the space between the eyebrow.
• Move your body. If your brain is on overload and thoughts are running rampant in your mind, bring your attention back into your physical body by moving it! 
• Free yourself from competitive energy. Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is on their own journey. 
• Positive affirmations. (See above)
• Spend quiet time alone. Spend some quiet time just being with yourself, switch of the phone, tv and get of any social media. Breath, feel and open yourself to the wisdom within. 
• Try Yoga Nidra.