Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your health and wellness. Regularly practicing yoga increases your flexibility, relieves your stress, reduces inflammation, and may give your mental health a much-needed boost.
Yoga in the summer sun is particularly beneficial. Doing yoga in nature can help you engage with the world around you while you connect with yourself through meditative breathing and challenging flows.
If the idea of adding some nature into your typical routine sounds appealing, you may want to consider taking a retreat to somewhere restorative. This can help you focus on your practice and connect with other like-minded folks. Setting aside time for a retreat is sure to enhance your wellness and help you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Getting out of town for a break is great for your mental and physical health. Escaping city life is particularly important if you live in an area with poor air quality. Breathing poor-quality air undermines your health and may lead to issues like coughing, wheezing, and irritation. Breathing poor-quality air can also increase your risk of developing chronic conditions like sleep apnea.
Taking a summertime yoga retreat to an area with high air quality can be deeply restorative if you’ve lived in an urban area for some time. If the idea of a retreat sounds appealing to you, consider signing up for yoga sessions in iconic settings like:
These areas offer plenty of yoga retreats and are situated in areas of outstanding beauty. You’ll be able to reconnect with nature this summer while enjoying Lanzarote and Bali, too, as there is plenty of hiking and backpacking to be had while abroad. Additional benefits of outdoor yoga retreats include:
These benefits will stay with you long after you leave your retreat and may reignite your passion for yoga. This is particularly beneficial during the summer months when you must take advantage of the fine weather to top up your vitamin D reserves.
Taking time off to go backpacking is a great way to reconnect with nature and boost your well-being. Backpacking is particularly beneficial in the summer, when you’ll be able to enjoy the long days and shouldn’t have to worry about packing heavy sleeping bags or tents. This is key, as nothing will detract from your flow like sore shoulders and tired legs.
If the idea of blending backpacking and yoga sounds appealing, consider adopting ultralight backpacking. Ultralight backpacking means that the weight of all of the gear in your pack is less than 10 lbs, excluding the weight of consumables like food, water, and fuel. This is possible today due to improvements in technology which means that your tent, sleeping bag, and backpack can be both light and durable. This also allows you to take some of the items vital to your yoga practice with you outdoors.
If you do decide to take your flow outdoors, be sure to choose a suitable flat, firm area to practice. If you experience any kind of joint pain, you should still bring your yoga mat. Alternatively, you can consider using a sleeping pad as a makeshift mat — just be sure that you have enough room to practice and that it will not slip from under you.
Adjusting your flow to embrace nature in the summer is a great way to get more from your practice. Rather than sticking to the same old routines, consider choosing inspirational flows to improve self-acceptance and confidence. These are easy practices designed to get you moving and can be completed in the summer sun.
As the middle of the year approaches, consider starting a solstice routine. Reflect on your flow with a journal and use your writing to show gratitude towards nature. Consider spending more time in a meditative state, and use an altar to help yourself embrace the changing of the seasons.
If you do decide to take your practice outside, just be sure to practice in a shaded area and remain mindful of the heat. Pack plenty of water and stay well hydrated throughout. This will help you combat heatstroke and will ensure that you’re able to embrace nature healthily this summer.
Practicing yoga in the great outdoors is the best way to take advantage of warm summer weather. You’ll be able to soak up plenty of vitamin D while flowing outside and can ground yourself while on a retreat. Just be sure to practice outside of the scorching sun and pack enough water to stay hydrated throughout. You don’t have to engage in an exhausting flow while outside either, as simple practices to boost gratitude and confidence are perfect as the summer solstice approaches.
Spots still available on these amazing retreats: Eat, Beach, Yoga: Koh Samui, Thailand March 1 - 8, 2025 (7 nights) Eat, Explore, Yoga: The Scottish Castle II, Duns, Scotland May 31 - June 6, 2025