6 Habits Which Enhance Your Yoga Practice

In any kind of practice there are certain activities and traditions which are required for progress. Similarly in yoga also there are certain rules which need to be followed as these are traditional practices and also have definite benefits. These practices may not be directly applicable during the practice, but they are part of the atmosphere required for the practice, and these are part of the yoga tradition and they have been formulated after observing the benefits of these practices.

1. Have a fixed place for Practice
   Fix a place for a practice at your home. For this you may fix either a room or a separate corner in a room for your practice. Try to practice at the same place everyday, and gradually you will able to feel a different kind of energy level at that place. Access to that place should be restricted and you should not allow people with negative kind of energy to go to that room. Also you should make sure that your feet hands and face are clean. Wash your face, feet and hands if necessary especially if you are coming from outside before entering that place.



2. Take care of your Yoga Mat
   Proper care of mat is also needed because this is where you practice. Make sure that mat is clean. Also as much as possible do not share the mat with anyone else. You should be possessive about the mat. As per the yogic tradition, as you grow spiritually and continue practicing on a single mat, you mat also becomes purer and gains part of the spiritual energy, therefore it is best not to share it. Wash or clean your mat regularly, and after the practice role it and keep it in a safe location. It is not proper to let it remain on the floor as other people may be walking over it. For yoga mat care please read the article Taking Care of Yoga Mat



3. Prayer
   Before starting it is best to start with a silent prayer to the almighty. It is better to pray with the palms folded in Namaste. Folding the palms in front of your chest in Namaste is said to make you submissive to almighty and makes you look inwards. Dedicate the practice to god and ask for guidance and permission. Some people also dedicate their practice to their gurus. Close your eyes and sit still for some time. Try to focus on what you are going to practice and try to relax the body.



4. Loose Clothes
   Wear loose fitting clothes so that movements are not restricted. Cotton clothes are the best as they allow the air to be in touch with your skin.



5. Stay silent for some time.
   After the practice it is best to remain silent for some time and observe the effects on the body and mind. Best pose for this is Shavasana(Corpse pose). Take your attention to each and every part of the body one by one and try to relax that part. You feel get the maximum benefit from this process. Conclude the practice with a note of thanks to almighty again and if possible by reciting some mantra some mantra.



6. Bath
   During the practice you may sweat a lot. It is good to clean yourself with a towel during the practice as this will remove the toxins which are coming out with the sweat. After the practice take a bath approximately 15-20 minutes after you finish the practice.

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