Benefits of Outdoor Yoga

Spending time in nature is really important to me - how often do you get to spend time outside, be in in your garden, woodland or somewhere where you can witness and soak in the natural world? It’s hard sometimes to find the time, space and opportunity to even go outside let alone in nature. But there is a growing body of scientific evidence that proves nature helps our physical and mental health.

Research has shown that spending time in nature helps:

• Reduce stress hormones

• Decrease anxiety

• Lower blood sugar

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve immunity

• Boost positive emotions

“Nature” can be a green space such as a forest, woodland or park but also might be the beach, the ocean, other wetland such as a brook, lake, river. Nature might even mean your garden, but it needs some flowers, grass, or trees. Even having plants or a window box can give you some of the benefits to your wellbeing.

We humans are part of nature and our modern world is taking us further away from Mother Earth’s cycles, sights and rhythms and deeper into a high-tech, artificial future, so it has never been more important to retain our connection to the Earth and it’s beauty. Research has shown that the colours of the natural world - greens, browns, blues, can enhance our mood and lift our spirits.

There are lots of wonderful ways to connect with nature and Forestry England offers a host of ideas including forest bathing, meditation, and other activities to get the whole family involved outdoors.

Practising yoga outdoors is another way to really immerse yourself in nature and reap even more benefits from this beautiful practise of self-care. Outdoor yoga can help promote deeper relaxation and calm. Our nervous systems are soothed by the sounds of birds, the rustle of leaves, the sound of water. Our senses become alive with the scents, sights and sounds of life, which helps promote greater mindfulness and presence. We can breathe more consciously and fully when we breathe fresh air. We feel more grounded and centered when we are physically connected to the earth beneath us, Roll out your mat in your garden or practise some breathwork in your local park. Do tree pose amongst the trees. Lie in savasana with the sounds of the sea. You will feel uplifted, rested and nourished.

I’m passionate about encouraging others to take time out to tune into their senses in nature. I often run outdoor yoga sessions in Spring and Summer to give my students the opportunity to carve out self-care time outside. This July I’m holding a morning yoga retreat at the most incredible lakeside setting - if you desire a feeling of true freedom, peace and calm, join me on Sunday 6th July at a secret location near Market Bosworth. You can book a space here.