DIY Yoga Props

We all know the benefits yoga props bring to a yoga practice but let’s face it, yoga props can be really expensive! Blocks, yoga straps, bolsters... add this all up and it can cost you a small fortune. Here are a few tips on how to make DIY Yoga Props using everyday items, while keeping that hard earned money in your pocket.
Blocks
Blocks are used mainly to help with stability or to bring the ground closer to you. In place of a block, tryout these everyday items:

-Hardcover books
-Inverted paper waste basket
-Inverted blue recycling bin
-Coffee tins
-Plastic jars (I like to use peanut butter jars) 
-Folded blanket

Bolsters
You will often find bolsters used in a restorative yoga practice. They help create shapes, aid in relaxation and comfortability. 

Bolsters come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. What shape/size works for one person, another may not find that it is not to their liking. Try these DIY Bolster items to create your perfect bolster:
- Take 1-2 pillows and place it on a towel or blanket. Proceed to wrap the pillows in the blanket so it forms a cylindrical
  shape. If you find that your bolster keeps unrolling, secure it by using elastic bands, scarves or neck ties around the
  outside of the bolster at either end.

- Use cushions you have around the house. Depending on size, couch cushions maybe a great option

- Take 2-3 towels or blankets and stack them one on top of the other. Proceed to rollup the blankets so that they make a  
   cylinder. If your bolster keeps unrolling, secure it by using elastic bands, scarves or neck ties around the bolster on either
   end.

- Sleeping bags are another great option. Some sleeping bags come in a stuff sack, you can either use that as is, or roll your  
   sleeping bag into a cylindrical shape.
Yoga straps
A yoga strap is often used as an extension of our arm to aid us in postures where we cannot achieve the posture due to tension or injury. In place of a strap try these out:

-Scarves
- Belts
-Neck Ties
Eye Pillows
One of my favourites! Eye pillows help with relaxation by placing slight pressure on your eyes. Try these alternatives out:
-Take a damp face cloth with 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on it. Make sure you wring it out well. Fold cloth and gently
  place over the eyes. 

-Take a small ziplock bag, place in a handful of rice, quinoa or flax seeds. Gently place the bag over the eyes
 **I love having a nice cool eye pillow. Try popping yours in the freezer for a few minutes.
Sandbags
Sandbags are often used to enable muscle relaxation and to ground your energy. They also can be useful in increasing strength and endurance. Try this alternative out:

-Take a large ziplock bag fill it with rice or dried beans. The Sandbags we use in Yoga vary in weight anywhere from 7-10 lbs.