Nature lovers are often drawn to yoga because it helps them feel a spiritual connection with the world around them. Likewise, yogis frequently take their yoga practice outdoors to take in the beauty of nature. To ensure that your outside yoga practice is as enjoyable as possible, make sure to follow these 5 tips for practicing yoga outside.
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Dress appropriately
You know by now what kind of clothes you feel best in when doing yoga. Now you have to take into account the outdoor temperature and factors such as wind and humidity. It’s highly advisable to dress in light layers in case you get too warm or too chilly when you arrive at your destination and start practicing.
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Plan ahead for safety
If you’re just going out into your backyard for your yoga practice, safety probably isn’t a huge concern. If your dream is to hike up a mountain and do your vinyasas in overlooking the green expanse below, make sure you have a buddy or very good cell coverage, and bring a first aid kit just in case. Allergy and asthma sufferers should bring all relevant medication, as well.
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Plan ahead for comfort
Nature is beautiful, but some aspects can be unpleasant and distracting when you’re trying to hold a challenging yoga pose. Depending on where you are practicing, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. could make the different between an enlightening session and an uncomfortable morning of regret.
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Consider your transportation
If you’re driving a car or carpooling with a buddy to your nature destination for a yoga session, you probably don’t have to worry about anything. If you’re planning on walking or biking any distance, however, you’ll want to take that into consideration when planning your excursion. Are you going to have blisters by the time you’re ready to start your yoga session? Are you going to be too exhausted after your session to bike up and down the hills back home? Are you really willing to carry every item you were planning on bringing with you?
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Be flexible
Mother Nature is unpredictable, and you might have to adjust your yoga plans around her whims. When planning an outdoor session, stay flexible to the possibility that you might have to relocate at the last minute and postpone your outdoor yoga practice for another day.