Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner in the field of yogic practice, there are certain essential yoga rules to follow. These rules help you to make your practice safe, effective, and meaningful. In this article we will explain certain essential rules which you should follow sincerely before, during, and after doing yoga. It includes everything from physical discipline and breathing technique to mental focus. Here it goes.

GENERAL YOGA RULES TO FOLLOW FOR EFFECTIVE PRACTICE:
- Always do yoga in a calm and quiet place. Your body and mind should feel relaxed. This is the first and foremost yoga rule to follow by a practitioner.
- Keep your body, mind and surroundings clean before starting yoga.
- Do yoga in a space with fresh air, like an open area, a room with a window, or a well-ventilated veranda. It enhances breathing and relaxation.
- Morning is the best time for doing yoga. However, you can do it during afternoon and evening as well.
- Yoga is a regular practice. Do it everyday. It is okay to take a break once in a week.
- Use a yoga mat or mattress or folded blanket or any of its kind for practice.
- Wear loose clothes. Avoid chappals, shoes, belt, watch at hand, etc.during practice.
- Perform yogic practice after 2 hours of taking a light meal and after 3 or 4 hours of taking a heavy meal. In case of certain diseases like cardiovascular disease, pain, liver disease, high blood pressure, one should always consult a doctor before performing any yogic practice.
- Females who are going through the menstruation period should not perform till 7 days, or until the menstrual flow stops.
- Pregnant ladies must take the advice of a doctor before practice.
- If you are weak and suffering from illness, ask the doctor before doing yoga.
- Do not push yourself. Only do what your body allows.
- Practice it on a regular basis to get desired results.
- Finish your yoga session with meditation or deep silence

Yoga Rules to follow Before Practice:
- Bladder and bowel should be empty before performing yogic practice.
- Drink a glass of lukewarm water sitting on a bed or floor, before practising yoga.
- Jogging for 5-10 minutes is important before yogic practice.
Rules to follow During Practice:
These are some of the most important yoga rules to follow. These are important in order to avoid injury and improve mental focus during your session.
- Chanting prayer or invocation before practice is important. It fosters a focused and harmonious environment and prepares the mind and spirit for the journey ahead.
- During practice, put your full concentration and focus.
- Control your mind. Don’t let any other thoughts come to your mind.
- During practice, don’t talk to anybody.
- Be away from any noisy situation.
- Avoid practising yogasana watching TV or listening to loud music.
- Soft and low music may be played as music therapy.
- Perform Yogic practice in a relaxed manner with an awareness of your body, mind, and breath.
- Give due importance to your inhalation and exhalation. Inhalation and exhalation in a correct manner is important. When there is a contraction of the chest, exhale and during expansion, inhale.
Rules to follow After Practice:
- Lie on savasana for 5 minutes.
- Eat food only after 20-30 minutes of completion of yogic practice.
- Take a bath when the body becomes cool. It is important to take a gap of at least 1 hour.
- Never drink/eat cold drinks or ice or ice cream after practice.
Conclusion:
By consistently following these yoga rules to follow, you can unlock the full potential of yoga. It will help you to have a healthier and better physical, mental, emotional, and social health. With dedication, sincerity, and focus, let yoga guide you on a transformational journey toward a healthier and better life.