5 Things that Help Me Move

My mission is to help you move more of you more often. And this isn’t limited to physical movement. Movement includes the breath, thoughts, and energy.t. The nice thing about movement is you can do it for free, no tools required. 

But certain things can support your movement. Below I have 5 things that help me move more. 

My yoga mat

You know what’s great about yoga? You can truly do it anywhere, anytime. While a yoga mat is a popular and handy accessory for many yogis, it’s not an absolute must-have to practice yoga. So, don’t let the absence of a yoga mat hold you back from enjoying your yoga practice. 

That being said, I do find that my mat definitely contributes to my movement, and this is why…

Comfort and Support

Yoga mats are designed to provide a cushioned and supportive surface for your body. They offer padding for your knees, wrists, and other pressure points during poses, making your practice more comfortable, especially if you have sensitive joints or are practicing on a hard surface.

Stability and Balance

 The non-slip surface of a yoga mat helps you maintain stability and balance during your practice. It prevents your hands and feet from slipping, allowing you to hold poses with more confidence and reducing the risk of injuries.

Defined Practice Space

Unrolling your yoga mat creates a designated space for your practice, which can be mentally and emotionally beneficial. It signals your mind that it’s time for yoga, creating a dedicated space for mindfulness and self-care.

I find that when I get on my mat I take a big sigh – it’s that “ahhhh” feeling of knowing that it’s time to practice.

What mat do I use?

Right now I prefer the Manduka Eko mat.  I’m on my second one currently after wearing out my first. And yoga mats do wear out. This mat offers some cushion and is made from rubber so is very slip resistant. A non-slip surface is important! 

The Manduka Pro mat is another great option because it has cushion and is slip resistant. The studio where I teach carries this mat so I’ve used it often and find that it’s very durable. 

Ultimately, whether or not you use a yoga mat is a personal choice. Some people prefer the direct connection with the floor, while others enjoy the benefits that a yoga mat offers. If you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your yoga practice, using a yoga mat can be a wonderful addition to your movement journey, providing comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging to your yoga practice.

My yoga blocks

I love my blocks! Specifically, my cork yoga blocks. My students have joked about how much I love using my “bricks.” The cork blocks are definitely not as light as the foam ones! 

Yoga blocks are like trusty little helpers that can support your practice. These nifty tools offer essential support and stability during poses, helping you find proper alignment and preventing strain or overextension. I can’t emphasize enough how helpful blocks can be so you can move in a way that’s good for YOUR body. 

Yoga blocks also make a great seat!  I sit on one every day when I work. And I sit on it when I meditate (though right now this isn’t every day – I’m working on that habit.) 

The block lifts my hips and help 

• place my pelvis in a better alignment with my spine (I tuck my tailbone when I sit)

• me to sit tall and keep my shoulders over my hips

• Not round the shoulders

Manduka sells them! And of course, you can find them on Amazon!

My toe spacers

I wear my Correct Toes around the house barefoot or with looser socks. How do they help me move? They literally help my toes spread out! 

This is important because spreading my toes 

• brings them back to their natural alignment.

• helps restore foot balance.

• improve blood circulation in my feet.

• supports my arches.

I most often wear my toe spacers for short periods of time, but they are comfortable enough to wear for hours if I can. I’m wearing them right now as I write this.

My dog, Luna

This is Luna. She’s known to bring a ball to you, set it down, and stare at it until you do something about it. And she’s determined! 

Having this furry companion is an incredible motivator to get moving! Her daily need for exercise creates a gentle yet persistent reminder to prioritize movement in my own life. My husband and I enjoy having active dogs (as tiring as they can be) because we enjoy taking them for hikes and playing with them. 

I have no links for you to get your own Luna but any dog owner knows that their wagging tails and eager faces can melt away any excuses to stay sedentary.

My Insight Timer app

This free app offers thousands of free music tracks, meditations, and stories to support your wellness. I’ve tried out some of the meditations, but I mostly use the app’s timer for a short meditation. I’ve set it for 5 minutes – I know, a very short time but I’m starting small. I like that I can the duration and pick the starting and ending bell. 

As my body sits still (on my cork block) I move my breath and my thoughts. I find this is a great way to start my day. I start more grounded and focused.

Sometimes my other movement helper, Luna, interrupts but I try my best to stick with the 5 minutes! 

There you have it – a peak inside my world of items that help me move more. Maybe you’ll find something here that can help YOU move more. 

Want to keep reading? Check out this article on why movement matters.