Blankets

Uses:
* Spread a blanket on your mat and/or bolster for padding or insulation.
* Cover yourself if you feel cool
* Fold and place on your thighs and/or stomach (the weight will signal to the body it’s time to rest!)
* Fold them/roll them up and use as support under your knees, glutes, neck, etc.

Alternatives:
* Afghans
* Quilts
* Mattress Pads
* Bath Towels (for support, maybe not covering)

Note: Make sure the blankets/alternatives are twin size, firm, and not thermal!

Click here for an example (note the dimensions!)

Bolster

Uses:
* Helps elevate you from the floor for a more supported position
* Enables deeper relaxation and more effective stretches!

Alternatives:
* Three or more single folded blankets/alternatives
* 4-6 firm pillows
* Firm Couch Cushions

Note: when using alternatives we want to make sure that our heads are not hanging off the top! Need support from top of the head to the top of the pelvis.

Fun Fact: someone on reddit said they made their own bolster during lockdown by folding an old king sized pillow sham into a tube, stitching it together, and then stuffing it with some old flattened bed pillows! Just make sure they’re firm 👍

You can also take pillows and wrap them in a blanket 👀

Click here for an example (note the dimensions!)

Blocks

Uses:
* Helps bring the floor up to you for more support (ex. place under the knees when doing a hip opener)
* Can place under your bolster to play with more reclining positions; bring your bolster up to you if you can’t reach the floor

Alternatives:
* A stack of hardcover books (tied together so they won’t slip)
* Really anything that won’t collapse and fits the dimensions!

Click here for an example (note the dimensions!)

Eye Covers

Uses:
* Limits stimulation to the eyes (ex. light, distractions around the room)
* Signals to the body it’s time to relax (even more so if weighted!)

Types:
* Eye Mask (not weighted)
* Eyebag (weighted)

Alternatives:
* Scarf
* Elastic Bandage
* A hand towel

Note: Can be nice to have both an eyebag and an eye mask. That way when you’re in positions not on your back you can still have the coverage on the eyes without it slipping off!

Click here for an example OF A Eyebag.

Purchasing Props

I use a lot of Hugger Mugger’s products as examples, that being said there are absolutely other places you can buy these props! I have been told stores like T.J.Maxx have great affordable options.

If you do want to make a single purchase I’d reccommend a bolster. It will really enhance the practice and allow you to play with more poses and modifications. It also is really nice to sleep with if you’re a side sleeper 😴

At the end of the day it’ll be harder to relax if you spend more money than what works for you on the props, so do what you can ♥️