Amber ( @myveryown.journey ) is convinced that yoga is the perfect medicine! This inspiring vegan yoga influencer lives by the motto "less is more" and shares practical everyday tips with us in this interview. Find out for yourself why yoga was the first sport that truly captivated her and what positive effects she has already experienced in the following text.

Dear Amber, what schools and training programs have you already completed?

I completed my Abitur (university entrance qualification) and a Bachelor's degree in Education and History of Science in Hamburg. I will soon finish my training as a naturopathic practitioner in Cologne, and I have also completed advanced training in acupressure taping!

How did you get into yoga and what motivated you?

Ever since I can remember, my dad was always upside down. It's one of my earliest memories of him, and it's always impressed me. Just going into a headstand in the middle of a room (without a wall behind you) is simply amazing – I can still hear him dropping his keys out of his pocket! Eventually, I got ambitious and tried it myself. It's really not advisable to just practice headstands at home, but luckily nothing happened to me. A short time later, my boyfriend and some friends gave me a yoga workshop as a gift. It was such a fun and wonderful day, and I've been hooked ever since!

What forms of yoga do you practice or have you tried?

I've already tried Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Bikram, and Acro Yoga. Now I do a mix of everything, but I especially love flows. The moment you close your eyes and flow is incredibly calming and beautiful. If I had a sauna at home, that would be my perfect yoga space! :D My boyfriend and I sometimes do Acro Yoga together, which is incredibly fun.

How do you design your individual yoga classes?

First, I fill my room diffuser with essential oil and put on some calming music. Then I sit cross-legged on my yoga mat, put a few drops of essential oil in my hands, rub them together, and then place them over my nose and mouth. With my eyes closed, I take a few deep breaths and then massage the rest of the oil into my neck and arms. A little massage helps loosen up my muscles. Then, usually still with my eyes closed, I begin my yoga practice.

What fascinates you most about yoga?

Yoga is the first sport that truly captivated me and that I've stuck with ever since. I find it incredibly versatile! You definitely build muscle and look more athletic (since I'd never really done any sports before, I naturally liked that), plus you experience success super quickly, whether it's in terms of flexibility or balance. But yoga doesn't just have to make you sweat; it can also be a wonderful way to unwind in the evening, helping you reconnect with yourself and giving you strength and energy. And last but not least, it's simply the perfect medicine. I've witnessed so many positive effects myself and in friends, as yoga alleviates or even heals pain. This can be due to congenital or acquired misalignments caused by improper strain, lack of exercise, accidents, or simply tension. And the best part of it all: you only need yourself!

Does the sport you choose have an influence on your lifestyle or your attitude?

Absolutely! Through the whole yoga community, I've become much more aware of myself and my surroundings. I take more time for myself and can now say much more precisely what's good for me and what isn't. I take a break whenever I need it!

Why do you think yoga is so popular right now?

Phew, that's a good question. I think there's currently a trend towards a more conscious lifestyle, a vegetarian or vegan diet (which is also gaining more and more media attention, not least because of many well-known advocates), and the much-discussed work-life balance. These are precisely the topics that correlate with yoga!

What were the decisive factors that led you to adopt a vegan diet?

I've never consumed a huge amount of animal products, so the switch wasn't very difficult for me. I should also mention that I'm not dogmatic. If someone brings a birthday cake to the office, I'm happy to have a piece! But since that doesn't happen often, I consider myself vegan, even though I'll probably get a lot of flak for that. I made the decision for the environment, animal welfare, and, last but not least, my own health!

What would you like to tell us more about living a more sustainable life?

Less is more – we don't need much, and patience gives us strength! Think carefully about whether you really need that new item of clothing. And if so, please choose fair trade and organic. Try to buy food regionally, seasonally, and also organically, ideally at the market. That way you also save a lot of plastic! Cook and bake as much as possible yourself and try to avoid chemical medications or at least reduce your use. They harm the environment, and there are great alternative and natural remedies. But we're all only human. Do what you can, but don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned!

Is there a motto you live by that you'd like to share with us?

"It's never too late to reminisce about the past." If you're unhappy or want to change something, then do it. It's in your hands, and it's never too late!

What do you wish for in the future, in the next 10 years?

I hope that my boyfriend and I will have started a small family by then. I also hope that I will have made it my profession to share my knowledge of the human body, mind, naturopathy, nutrition, and yoga with other people.

How do you recommend that beginners start with yoga?

Start without fear! Just attend a class and see if yoga is for you. If you don't enjoy it, perhaps try a different style. It all depends on a good teacher and, of course, the type of yoga. This practice can be particularly helpful if you have any physical ailments.

Which are your favorite LUVIYO products?

I absolutely love the white marble. I even use the mat as a base for my food posts :D And I wouldn't want to be without the cork blocks in my practice either. For me, the most wonderful thing is to lie on my back after a strenuous flow, bring the soles of my feet together, arrange my legs in a diamond shape, and place the block under my shoulder blades.