Yoga tips: 10 essential tips to practice yoga

Here are some tips to practice yoga:

1. Practice yoga when you are fresh in the morning. The best time is before breakfast in the morning. Make sure you clear your bowels, nostrils, throat, bladder before you begin. Drink a glass of warm water. Take a bath before doing yoga, unless you do it right after meditation.
2. Start with easy postures and proceed to higher asanas. Go for higher ones gradually. Yoga should not result in extreme fatigue. Stop once you feel tired.
3. Practice yoga on a blanket or a mat. Using a mat or asana for all sitting postures. For lying postures use a woolen carpet.
4. There should be no incense smoke or cigarette smoke in the room. Do not practice yoga in open environment. The room should be well ventilated, free from dust, insects and other pests.
5. Wait for two hours after meal before you start yoga. After yoga, wait for 10 minutes to eat or drink water.
6. Sports or other exercises should not be followed immediately after yoga. Minimum gap of two hours is required before you take up your next activity.
7. After yoga, massage the body parts especially the joints very well. Take a walk in a quiet place, if possible.
8. If you are not feeling well, do not practice yoga asanas. Women should not practice yoga during menstruation, menopause or during pregnancy. In the early weeks of pregnancy, yoga may be practiced with the support of a trainer.
9. Wear lesser clothing while practicing yoga. Cotton pants and shirts are suggestible. Make sure that maximum amount of skin is exposed to air.
10. Avoid overeating and fasting if you are practicing yoga. Suggested food items include grains, cereals, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Indulge in ‘mitahara’ or moderate food. Yoga practictioners suggest ’saatwik’ or vegetarian diet.

Practice these simple steps for healthy living, fitness, relaxation and of course weight loss!