28/7/2022 2 Comments Benefits of Yoga OutdoorsWhat is outdoor yoga and why should you try yoga outdoors?...Well - it’s yoga, but as the name suggests - it’s yoga outside! Before the uprising of attending yoga class in shiny, pristine, air conditioned yoga studios - Yoga was, on the whole, mainly practised outdoors where the connection to the natural world, the sun, the moon, and the universe is at its strongest. Some countries granted are blessed with the climate to practice yoga outside all year round much like yoga’s homeland India - some, not so much (hello rainy Wales!) That being said, wherever you are, if it looks to be a pleasant day why not consider taking your yoga practice outdoors? You may feel that much better for doing so. Thankfully, as a nation we’re becoming more aware of the healing properties of getting out and spending quality time in nature. Studies, like this one from Exeter University, have recently proven that ‘spending just 2 hours a week in nature can make you happier’. So, being out in nature is one thing. Taking our yoga practice out into nature? Well that can take things to a whole new level … “The grass, the ocean, the trees are all part of our primaeval world. It is where we feel most at home." - Dr Matthew Baral 'This is Your Brain on Nature' Why Outdoor Yoga?Luckily for us - Yoga can literally be done anywhere. As creatures of habit however this is something we can all too easily forget. Sticking to a comfortable routine within our warm, cosy bubble of our comfort zone - showing up to the same weekly asana class, securing the same spot, or settling onto our mat in front of YouTube when we have a quick 20 minutes in the morning can feel familiar and safe - and don’t get me wrong - all of that is GREAT! However, sometimes, a simple curious step outside our comfort zone can do wonders in expanding our mind, body, and soul 💫 Outdoor yoga and meditation near me?… Keeping your mind, body and soul flexible with yoga … Take a moment to close your eyes and focus on a lovely outdoor space (or two) near you - ✨A magical woodland? ✨Top of a hill (or mountain)? ✨Beautiful beach? ✨Gorgeous garden?… Where could you take your yoga and meditation practice that would feel calming, refreshing, exciting for you?! This idea of yoga as ‘transportable’, being courageous enough to step out of our comfort zone once in a while, can certainly help keep our practice fresh and new, allowing us to be more present and flexible in our approach to yoga ... In reality - the opportunities are endless! ... “Spending time in nature is one of the most natural mood lifters and best ways to promote our health. In nature, you get reminded of your place on earth and can feel connected to the natural world. Yoga’s goal to quiet and strengthen the mind can be better accomplished in the peacefulness of the outdoors.” Feel the benefits of yoga outside - flow with the beauty of natureA recent Swedish study found that viewing nature - especially naturally occurring patterns in tree branches and leaves called ‘fractals’ - increased wakeful relaxation and internal focus, and a study from University of South California found that looking at beautiful scenery releases endorphins ... Maybe we're connected to nature more than we think?! Outdoor yoga can help strengthen and improve balancePhysically: An uneven terrain, lack of wall to support us, combined with an outdoor breeze - This requires us to concentrate more on holding our balance thus strengthening our core muscles, helping us to stay centred and grounded, whilst remembering to keep the breath flowing as best as we can. Mentally: Outside there are typically more distractions - cute dogs, energetic kids, sounds of people laughing, chatting, listening to music. We also have the elements to take into consideration - the wind, sun, sand, dewy grass - adjusting our awareness and focus can require a little more attention and concentration outdoors. The more we practice going inward in a busy (or maybe just ‘different’) environment, the more we can strengthen and develop this muscle of meditation. Spiritually: Meditating in nature has been proven to lower stress levels and boost benefits of meditation. Becoming aware and letting go of feelings of anxiety, stress, tension and consciously replacing them with a sense of ease, vitality, contentment, can allow space for a stronger spiritual connection - a beautiful blissful awareness of uniting with ourselves, nature, and the universe. Yoga outdoor or indoor?Exercise when done in a natural environment has impressive advantages:
Fresh air can restore and revitalise the lungs When practicing yoga outdoors we’re typically inhaling better quality oxygen, breaking down toxins and pollutants in the lungs more effectively. Naturally - with the presence of better oxygen - we tend to inhale / exhale more air, improving performance of the heart, our circulation, and cleansing of the airways. Outdoor yoga can provide a much needed boost of Vitamin D With around 1 in 5 adults not getting enough vitamin D in the UK, vitamin D deficiency is no joke. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and phosphorus and uses these minerals to keep bones, teeth and muscles strong, also helping to prevent falls as we get older. “To make vitamin D you need sunlight on your skin. From April - September it's possible to get enough Vitamin D by spending time outside. For most people, you only need to be outside for around 20-30 minutes." - Heart UK “Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalisation + positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger + depression, and increased energy.” All of this makes for a great case to take your yoga practice outdoors as often as we can! If the weather or circumstances don’t allow, then practising yoga indoors is of course still hugely beneficial. As a good starter perhaps:
Practice today Now that you know all about outdoor yoga and its many benefits, it’s time to put it into practice in your life today! As you’re reading this, take a minute to think about when you can next get outside and practice yoga with Mother Nature. You can practice yoga practically anywhere that you’ll feel connected with nature - ... In your garden, local park, or beach - wherever feasible and you can feel at ease. Outdoor Yoga in Barry, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan?Looking for a friendly yoga group to practice yoga with outdoors? In Barry, Cardiff, or surrounding areas? Then join us, we’d love to welcome you to the Hazel Lily Yoga community! You can find us Seaside Fridays, 9.30am-10.30am, waking up gently and with ease into our morning. If you’d like to reset, refresh, and rejuvenate with the sound of the waves to bring about a blissful sense of nourishment to mind, body and soul - then you can find out more + book here 💫 Take a deep breath of fresh air, connect with nature, and take a moment of gratitude for your day my friend ✨
Hazel xx
2 Comments
Sue Parsons
31/7/2022 05:59:33 pm
How true this is. During the first lockdown, and before I started yoga with you, I spent a lot of time out of doors listening to mindful reflections with the background tweets of the birds. It really set me up for the day. Thank you for reminding me of this.
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Hazel
3/8/2022 10:21:15 am
That sounds just perfect, and such a lovely thing to do first thing to set you up for the rest of the day.. Mindfulness in nature can certainly be a wonderfully powerful thing ✨ Of course :) I do hope you enjoy taking a little time for mindful movement (or stillness) in the great outdoors soon Sue! ✨
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