There are some important essentials that you need to include on your yoga checklist before you start regular practice.

There is nothing more revolting than a worn dirty mat which some of yoga studios offer for free... and covering your face in a baggy t-shirt while holding your headstand pose is not a particularly good experience either.

While you want to stock up on accessories that are practical, never compromise on comfort and style because how you feel during your yoga practice is really important. 

Also, don’t be fooled by all the fancy gadgets that are widely available on the market as you need to stick to what supports your yoga practice and whether it takes you on or off the mat – there is no need for a huge financial investment to get you going.

• Yoga clothing: The yoga style you decide to practice determines the type of yoga clothes that you should buy. For example, for Bikram yoga, you only need a vest and pair of shorts since your class will take place in a heated room.
  
  You'll want to cover a bit more for regular hatha yoga class, especially before you warm up or for your final relaxation. Remember to go for a style that gives you enough freedom of movement, but stays in place when doing your inversions without being too tight. Look for 'clever' materials that keep you warm while locking the moist away from your body, and choose only natural and preferably sustainably sourced organic fibres. Try established ethical brand Carrot, Banana & Peach, luxury clothing company Wellicious, Sweaty Betty or From Clothing, all of which offer beautiful and stylish designs for all yogis and yoginis.
  
  
• Yoga mats and bags: Think of your yoga mat as your sanctuary and a place to be with yourself during your exercise or meditation. Therefore, choosing the right yoga mat to fit your needs is quite important, and you might like to try it in the shop before you purchase it.
  
  If you are not sure what to look out for, I would follow these simple rules – make sure it is the right size to provide enough space in all asanas, surface for touch and firm grip, natural material for contact and pleasant smell, thickness for balance and comfort (avoid too thin or thick) and colour for tapping in to your inner energies.
  
  You can complete your mat with a simple yoga mat bag or a specially designed retreat bag that also fits your clothing and accessories which come in beautiful designs you would be proud of carrying around the entire day. Yogamatters, SukhaYoga and Julie Mango have a great range of yoga mats, rugs and bags to suit everyone.
  
  
• Yoga and meditation accessories: When you feel you need a bit more support to get comfortable in your asana, don’t hesitate to reach out for various blocks, bricks, belts or bolsters (see The Yoga Shop or Yoga Studio's offer) – just make sure you try some of these props in your yoga studio, or seek advice from your yoga teacher first.
  
  To enhance your meditation, invest in blankets, shawls or eye pillows to keep you comfortable and warm on the outside so the stillness and peacefulness can arrive from within (try some of Wellicious, Sweaty Betty or Yoga United products).
  
  If you are after a specific result like calming down, balancing, rejuvenating or tuning your chakras, make sure you have one of Lotus Wei meditation mists handy (available from Being Content) or mix your own concoction using Neal’s Yard Remedies organic essential oils.
  
  Finally, to keep your hydration at the high level pre/post and during your yoga practice, have one of the trendy aluminium re-usable water bottles by your side at all times (try A Fine Choice or Nuun). It will not only do a great deal of good to your health but also the environment and just like the law of karma will pay back one day.

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About the author
A certified yoga teacher, massive fan of all things wellbeing, entrepreneur and mum to a gorgeous little girl, Michaela Olexova has travelled the world and influenced by her travels, coming across many wonderful people, cultures and rituals, she decided to share her passion and experience with people who wish to find a way to a more healthy and balanced life through her inspirational guide to wellbeing at www.thebaoli.com.