You’ve heard for years that meditation has amazing benefits, and you’ve always meant to give it a try, but never gotten around to it. Sound familiar? There are a lot of reasons that you might be reluctant to start a regular meditation practice – maybe you think you don’t have enough time in the day, or maybe trying to quiet your mind for 20 minutes sounds like an impossible feat. But the benefits are undeniable, and it turns out that meditation is way easier than you think!

Here are a few reasons to finally give meditation a try:

1. You don’t actually have to “clear your mind” while you meditate

The idea that meditation involves clearing your mind of all thoughts is one of the main reasons that it sounds so difficult to beginners. But it’s not necessarily true! Even Deepak Chopra says, “The nature of the mind to move from one thought to another is in fact the very basis of meditation.” Allowing your thoughts to flow freely as you meditate is fine, and over time you’ll get comfortable with letting each thought slip by without dwelling on it too much.

2. Meditation can improve your sleep

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve insomnia, fatigue and even depression. This type of meditation in particular involves focusing on your breathing or on a positive word or phrase such as “Om” or “Relax.” Again, you don’t have to clear your mind, but try to let go of worries about the past and the future. With a little practice, this causes a relaxation response which can be used at bedtime to help get a longer and fuller night’s sleep.

3. Meditation improves creativity and problem-solving

In our modern world, where many of us can’t sit still for 5 minutes without checking our phones, the practice of being still with your own thoughts can have great benefits. If you’re feeling overworked or mentally exhausted, it’s the perfect time to take a few minutes for a gentle meditation. For one thing, calming your emotions can help you get some perspective when you’re feeling too stressed out. On top of that, research has shown that regular meditators have better luck thinking outside the box and coming up with new and creative solutions to problems. Because of this, meditation can actually be a time saver! Why spend hours struggling with a mental block when you can get relaxed and boost your creativity at the same time?

4. It’s not a big time commitment

You can start meditating for just a few minutes a day. To begin with, you’ll want to make yourself comfortable. You may wish to stretch lightly beforehand, especially if you meditate first thing in the morning. Wear loose or stretchy clothes that don’t pinch or bind. And sit comfortably – try a meditation cushion on the floor, or even just your bed or sofa. Once you’ve had some practice meditating, you may want to work your way up to 15 or 20 minutes a day, but there’s no hurry – be kind to yourself, and enjoy!

For all your meditation needs, come visit us today at barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Meditation, Yoga Clothing, Yoga News

Now that’s something we can get behind!

Let us paint what is likely an all too familiar picture for many of us: you’re stuck in an airport, waiting for your final connecting flight back home, and you’re exhausted. There’s been far too little sleep, far too many inconveniences along the way, and all you want to do is relax, unwind, and get some peace and quiet.

Now you can! A growing number of airports are providing a quiet, calm room specifically designed for yoga and meditation during your travels. Some of the first airports to get on board with this zen movement have been San Francisco, Heathrow and O’Hare, and now even more are recognizing the amazing effects of yoga and are adding their own yoga rooms.

San Francisco Airport Yoga Room

These rooms are particularly beneficial for large airports where connecting flights and long layovers are common, and airports have been increasingly aware of the stress that can come from these long, arduous journeys. Their response? A place where travelers can rejuvenate and revitalize in a healthy way for body and mind.

Barefoot Yoga Sari Pattern Eye Pillows

Barefoot Yoga Sari Pattern Yoga Mat Bag

If you’re a traveling yogi, we highly recommend checking out your airport before traveling to see what accommodations they offer – as well as bringing an eye pillow along for even more relaxation!

All Barefoot Yoga eye pillows come with a zippered carry case, which makes them a soothing and relaxing prop easy to carry with you anywhere. We also recommend bringing along some Stretchy Mat Straps, a lightweight Sari Pattern Yoga Mat Bag, and some easy-to-use Yoga Mat Wipes to help keep the props you bring on your travels organized, smelling great, and easy to access!

Whether you’re simply hopping on your bike to get to class or hopping on a plane, Barefoot Yoga has got you covered. Come visit us today at barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Yoga News

It’s that time of year again – filled with blooming flowers, sunshine, and a renewed sense of possibility. Whether it’s going out on a spontaneous weekend getaway, throwing a beach BBQ, or enjoying sunrise yoga at your local park, it’s the perfect time of year to freshen up your routine and have an adventure.

Below, we’ve added five of our favorite ways to refresh and reinvigorate our lives – and particularly our practices – this time of year!

1. Try out a new prop

There’s nothing like adding a Silk Sari Eye Pillow (to make Sivasana simply heavenly) or trying out a new, brightly colored Practice Strap to add a touch of flair and freshness to your practice!

2. Indulge in a new outfit

Same goes for clothing – with a whole selection of brightly colored OMgirl fashions in a range of beautiful dyes sure to put a spring in your step, even we have trouble keeping our hands off it!

3. Clean eating and trying out new recipes

Out of the cold and cozy winter, and into the bright and sunny warmth! Eating light, produce filled and low carb meals can be a great way to feel like your optimum springtime self.

4. Try a new kind of yoga or take a class from a new teacher

Getting stuck in the same routines can extend to your practice too! Granted, keeping with a positive routine and feeling stuck in a routine are very different things. But, trying out a new type of yoga or a new teacher can be a great way to explore new perspectives and ways of practicing – maybe ways that you didn’t even expect to realize!

5. Take a moment to stop and relax

It’s easy to always be in motion and keep yourself moving. Give yourself a gift and slow down for a moment away from screens (all screens), and sit down on a Zafu, on a mat, or simply with a good book. Taking just a few moments when you’re able to relax and refresh can make a huge positive impact on both physical and mental clarity and peace. Not to mention that it’s just a lovely feeling to relax and take a moment to enjoy life!

To take a moment to fulfill all of your yoga prop, clothing, and mat needs, come visit us at barefootyoga.com today!

Posted under Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Yoga Clothing, Yoga Supplies