Yoga blankets are an often-overlooked but wonderfully worthwhile prop. From yoga practice to meditation, blankets can enhance, comfort, and support your efforts with their versatility.

In this post, we'd like to introduce you to yoga blankets and explain why we believe they are a must for adding to your prop collection.

What is a yoga blanket?

A yoga blanket is a comfortable yet firm blanket made of thick, supple material that has the power to both warm and soothe the user, as well as support them when folded or rolled. It's a wonderful tool to introduce to yoga and meditation, designed specifically to enhance your practice in a number of ways.

What is the difference between a yoga blanket and a regular blanket?

Regular blankets, while cosy, don't have the structure to support asanas properly. The difference lies in their purposes and materials, with a yoga blanket being made of sturdier, more durable and weighted fabrics. Normal blankets can be made of all manner of materials, and though they can certainly make relaxing on the sofa more comfortable, they can't cushion your joints or support your poses like a well-made yoga blanket.

The 5 top benefits of using a yoga blanket

Let's explore the top benefits of introducing a yoga blanket to your practice and home.

1. Support

A yoga blanket makes a useful, comfortable, and versatile prop when folded or rolled. It can be used to provide support and structure during yoga poses, as well as to create a cushion for seated or kneeling meditation. Think of it as an alternative to a yoga bolster, one that you can adjust to suit your support needs as you see fit. A blanket is also a wonderful prop for avoiding injury in poses.

Here are just a few of the ways you can incorporate a blanket into your yoga practice to support your asanas:

• Paschimottanasana - sit on a folded blanket during this seated forward bend to help straighten your back.

• Janu Sirsasana - another seated forward bend, this pose can be supported by placing a folded or rolled blanket beneath your folded knee to improve hip alignment.

• Malasana - this deep squat can be easier to maintain with a rolled blanket beneath your heels.

• Sarvangasama - a folded blanket beneath the shoulders can improve comfort and help prevent neck injuries.

2. Comfort

The soft, thick, and supple nature of yoga blankets means they're ideal for bringing comfort through the act of cushioning joints and limbs against hard surfaces.

A folded blanket beneath your knees during asanas such as Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (cat-cow) and Ustrasana (camel) can help alleviate knee pain for those who experience it. Halasana (plough) is another where a blanket can cushion you; fold and place the blanket beneath your shoulders to reduce uncomfortable contact pressure.

3. Relaxation

Blankets are a wonderful prop in restorative yoga practices. For an advanced level of comfort, wrap yourself in the blanket during rest poses such as Savasana for a heightened feeling of security. The blanket's warmth can help you relax, and, if the material has a little weight to it, like our Maya Shanti yoga blankets, it can help you achieve deeper calm and focus.

4. Easy to store

Another fantastic benefit of the yoga blanket is how simple it is to store and transport. Yoga bolsters and meditative cushions are wonderful props, but their structures make them less easy to tidy away or move from one location to another. A yoga blanket can be folded or rolled up to take up very minimal space, making them perfect to slip into a tote or tuck away in a cupboard. This is particularly useful for those who don't have a permanent yoga or meditation space in their home and need props that can be tucked out of the way.

5. Versatile

A yoga blanket is not just for your practice; this warm and cosy accessory can also make a comforting addition to your home decor. Throw over your sofa or loveseat and wrap yourself up in its soft material when settling down for your favourite TV show or movie. You'll feel instantly comforted when our yoga blanket is around your shoulders or draped over your lap, and its natural shade and textures lend an earthy feel to your interior aesthetics.

Are yoga blankets worth it?

We believe that yoga blankets make an invaluable addition to your practice, meditation, and home. Whether you use it to support your asanas, cushion your joints, or bring warmth and comfort, a yoga blanket is a wonderful and versatile accessory.

We designed our meditation yoga blanket to enhance your practice in every way. Made of durable hemp and organic cotton, the blanket is warm, soft to the touch, and incredibly long-lasting. You'll love the purposeful fray on the edges to add texture, and its slight weight of 1 Kg is perfect for offering a soothing amount of pressure when wrapped around your body.

Discover our other carefully curated and intentionally designed props for yoga and meditation, and get in touch with our friendly and experienced team with any questions you may have about our products or your practice.