It’s summer! And now we finally have the weather to prove it.
And as the end of term approaches many of us will be getting ready to go on holiday, which for many of us will be within the UK’s shores.
But even though our summer holiday is a ‘staycation’, it’s still a joy to have a change of scene, even if it’s not abroad.
So what should you be packing to take with you? Despite the sun at the moment, it’s probably worth taking sunscreen, a sunhat, wellies, and a thermal vest. Cover all bases…this is the UK after all.
But what about your yoga mat? Is it worth taking up precious space in your bag for your yoga stuff? YES.
I have to say that I ALWAYS take my yoga mat at the minimum.
Here’s my reasons for why you should pack your mat this summer.
Make Your Yoga Practice Non-negotiable
By taking your mat (and/or other props) on holiday you’re sending yourself a message. That your yoga practice is a central part of your life which, for your own wellbeing, you bring with you to wherever you happen to be, even on holiday. This attitude will serve you well when you return to daily life, and you’ll be grateful that your yoga practice came with you on holiday.
Make the Most of your Holiday
We’ve all been there. The much-longed-for holiday arrives and then the stress that comes with going on holiday starts to bite. The packing, tidying up the house, the traveling, the traffic, the arguments over who gets which bedroom… By the time you arrive, you need a holiday just to recover from going on holiday.
This is when your yoga mat comes into its own. Recuperate from your travels with a calming yoga practice. Bookmark 20 minutes a day when you are unavailable (especially if you’re a parent) to any requests except emergencies. Then your holiday actually starts to be a real holiday, rather than just some nice photos to put on the family WhatsApp.
Holiday Smugness
Holiday yoga is actually the best kind of yoga. If you manage even five minutes you get extra smug points. This means that you are allowed to sunbathe all day, read ten books, indulge in food and booze, all guilt-free because you’ve done your yoga practice for the day.
Yoga with the Family
If you have your mat with you, it’s also a chance for your family to join in with your yoga practice. Tear them away from their screens and get them jumping about with you in an energising yoga session.
Or, if you’re heading away for a romantic break with your partner, try some couples yoga for some extra bonding (or just for a good laugh).
Get Creative
We’ve all had to get more imaginative with our yoga practice over the past 16 months, as our yoga lessons moved online.
In the same we you can explore your new location and adapt your practice to fit your location. Use whatever you can – towels, sofa, a bed to adapt your yoga practice.
Rest and Restore
If you’re heading on your first proper holiday for what feels like a lifetime (due to the madness of the past year and a bit), then perhaps now is not the time to challenge yourself.
Instead, experiment with supported inversions and plenty of supported supine poses. You might even just spend one practice in a 30-minute śavasana just observing the breath. Now that really is a holiday practice.