Time of Practice: Yoga can be practiced at any time of the day on an empty stomach. A gap of at least 3 to 4 hours after the intake of food is advisable. Loud Chanting can be done during any time of the day. Dawn, mid-noon and dusk are the ideal times to practice Meditative techniques.

Place of Practice: Should be well ventilated, clean and calm. Since breathing exercises are part of any Yoga practice, an environment that is pollution free with abundant fresh air is the best option. Outdoors in nature, if possible, and if climatic conditions allow, is ideal. Practicing at the same place at a fixed time helps.

Attire: Loose and comfortable clothes are recommended. Spectacles, wristwatches and ornaments should be placed aside. Right attire helps proper blood circulation and ease of practice.

The Session: Should begin with a few stretches and the Sun Salutations as a warm up, followed by Asanas, Pranayama and then finally Meditation. Practice with appropriate Mudras as taught by the instructor enhances the effect and benefits of your practice. At Shreyas, Yoga processes are customized to your requirement, flexibility, availability of time, and personal interest.

Breathing: Most practices recommend nasal breathing. Synchronizing the breath with each movement is essential for maximum benefit. Proper breathing results in calmness and balance of the mind.

Awareness: Each Yoga process should be practiced in a relaxed manner with complete awareness. Being aware of the subtle changes helps one in improving concentration. Endurance develops as each of the Asanas is held for certain duration. In fact Awareness is the key to any Yoga practice as it fosters alertness and aids assimilation of the practice resulting in tangible benefits.

Ahara (Diet): A balanced diet prepares both the body as well as the mind for a steady Yoga practice. It is recommended to have light, fresh and easily digestible food in moderation to enhance the benefits of Yoga.

Attitude: Yoga is a journey of self-discovery. Hence we should avoid turning it into a competition. We should be aware of our limits and practice within them to avoid injury, particularly the Asanas. ‘Moderation and understanding’ is the key.

Approach: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras clearly states: “Sthiram sukham asanam" i.e., the posture should be comfortable and allow one to stay stable. As our practice deepens, we will be able to stretch more and hold the pose for longer periods with ease. Similarly do not overdo in the Pranayama practice. Understand your capacity and incrementally advance it stage by stage.