Yoga mat separation anxiety. It exists…

Last week, I attended my usual 7 pm Vinyasa Flow class but low and behold, forgot my pretty pink yoga mat. As the sky began to fall and I began to stress, I hesitantly made my way into the studio.

I grabbed a class-provided mat. It felt strange and foreign to me and I could almost SEE the bacteria and sweat squirming around on it. How I wished I would have at least packed my yoga mat cleaner.

As I found a space on the floor, all I could think about was how badly I wanted the comforts (and germs) of my own mat yet knew I would have to take my chances with this spare and get over it. My studio provides toilette’s and I hoped and prayed that the mat I grabbed had been wiped down prior to being put back but how would I know? I wouldn’t.

I eagerly grabbed a toilette (or three) and wiped that sucker down as best I could. I grabbed a towel to place at the head of my mat and 10 minutes into class, my mat worries were lost in a sea of Chaturanga’s and Downward Facing Dog’s.

Fast forward to the next morning. I wake up to a lovely pimple on my forehead and immediately think back to the previous night’s yoga class. FYI, I am not one to get forehead pimples or breakouts like, ever, so this little guy saying “Good Morning!” was pretty out of the ordinary.

I remembered myself in Balasana (child’s pose) in the last night’s class. Those few critical minutes my forehead rested on the bacteria-prone mat were most definitely the cause for the pimple STARING back at me in my bathroom mirror.

From this experience, I made sure of a few things…

1. NEVER forget my yoga mat
2. But if I do, always have my yoga mat spray handy

Try this DIY non-toxic cleaner to keep your mat sanitary and smelling good! Throw it in your bag and spritz a couple sprays on your mat before class to avoid bacteria pimples! Woohoo!

Ingredients

• 3 parts water
• 1 part white vinegar or alcohol-free witch hazel
• 3 drops Tea tree (Melaluca) essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• glass spray bottle

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in glass spray bottle. I purchased mine here.
• Shake until combined
• Spray on mat and wipe dry with towel.

Keep in Mind

If you are not a fan of lavender (like my sister) or are allergic (like my mom), replace it with another calming oil, like Ylang-Ylang or Cedarwood.

Yoga Mat Cleaning and Storing Tips

• Try to clean your yoga mat after every class
• Wash your mat in the washer and dryer once a month on medium heat
• Let your mat air dry for 24 hours. Avoid bright sunny spots!
• Hang your mat on a hanger at home as opposed to rolling it up

Namaste!

XX