WHY OUTDOOR YOGA?
The practice of outdoor yoga has been gaining popularity over the last few years. Some may argue that the two are inherently intertwined as yoga, with its ancient roots in mindfulness and holistic well-being, is seamlessly connected with the harmonious qualities of the natural world.
But why has practicing yoga in nature become a favored option for so many? Well, there are numerous health benefits for yoga practitioners who practice outdoors. While making the switch from a studio to the outside world can seem daunting, here’s why you should consider practicing yoga outdoors.
Connecting with Nature is A Natural Stress Reliever
Life can easily feel doomed and gloomy when you spend all your time indoors without any or limited natural sunlight. This is why it is so important to have enough interaction with nature in a day, whether it’s soaking up the sunlight, touching the grass with your feet, or feeling the wind blow through your hair.
Studies have actually proven that spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and well-being. By practicing outdoor yoga, you can feel empowered and enlightened from being unplugged by technology and your busy life.
Practicing yoga in nature can also lead to increased mindfulness and help you get into a more meditative state by challenging you to focus more despite elemental distractions.
Overall Health Benefits of Yoga Outside
Boosting Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Combining yoga with the soothing effect of being outdoors is a natural remedy for stress and other emotional distress you may experience. Bringing your yoga practice outside can help boost your mental health, as scientific studies show that being in nature positively affects our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems, promoting better relaxation and inner peace.
Other benefits of outdoor yoga besides improving one’s mood are enhancing feelings of gratitude, calmness, and emotional balance. Through outdoor yoga, you can maximize the mental health benefits of your usual yoga practice with the calming energy of nature.
Physical Health Benefits of Practicing Yoga in Nature
Besides reducing cortisol levels, practicing yoga outside can also help us enhance respiratory function and provide a natural dose of Vitamin D through fresh air and sunlight. These are important as vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth while fresh air cleans your lungs and lowers your heart rate, all of which aid in preventing future potential health issues.
Simultaneously, being in nature can improve physical performance by improving balance, strength, and flexibility. Since practicing outdoors means going on different terrains and landscapes, practicing yoga on uneven ground, such as rocks, grass, or sand, can challenge your muscles more than on indoor surfaces.
Where to Practice Outdoor Yoga
If you want to start outdoor yoga from the comfort of your home, you can simply practice yoga in your garden or visit the nearest park for a more expansive session. You can also opt to travel by going to the beach to change scenery, but any serene natural environment will do with outdoor yoga.
Beautiful destinations such as Koh Samui in Thailand offer perfect spots for yoga outside with its lush landscapes and tropical beaches. Vikasa provides unique outdoor yoga experiences with our yoga retreats or training classes, enabling you to experience the beauty of nature while building your yoga practice.
Building a Sense of Community Through Outdoor Yoga Classes
Outdoor yoga classes create a sense of community among yoga practitioners who value nature and the planet, helping people form much deeper and meaningful connections. These classes can range from beginners to more advanced classes for seasoned yogis, but anyone is welcome to practice outdoor yoga, as the open environment itself encourages inclusivity.
Since practicing yoga outdoors is more public in nature, enrolling in outdoor yoga classes can also help instill confidence in yourself, boost motivation, and foster a greater sense of connection with the collective energy of the class.
Embrace the Benefits of Outdoor Yoga for a Healthier You
From de-stressing and boosting mood to improving balance and flexibility, yoga outside has many holistic health benefits for your overall well-being. We strongly encourage you to embrace this philosophy of connecting your yoga practice with nature, whether it’s through your solo practice or joining outdoor yoga classes.
Enroll in outdoor yoga retreats such as the Yin Yoga Teacher Training at Vikasa for an immersive experience in nature. Located in the serene Koh Samui, Thailand, Vikasa is a place to break away from indoor routines and experience the liberating nature of outdoor yoga.