The majority of people know yoga is beneficial for the mind and body. And while practitioners find it easy to attend a class when at home, it can prove difficult to follow a routine when travelling. Sabi Phagura spoke with experts at Yoga Design Lab, who offered tips on incorporating yoga into your travels with sustainability in mind with their environmentally friendly mat.
As we become increasingly aware of our environmental impact, it’s crucial to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our lives – including our travel gear and equipment. And one way of doing that is with a planet-safe mat like the ones produced by Yoga Design Lab. Their eco-friendly travel mat (1.5mm) is a testament to their commitment to both yoga and the planet.
The idea for Yoga Design Lab started on a vacation in Bali by Chad Turner. Looking around, all he saw was a sea of unoriginal, mass-produced, solid-coloured yoga mats. A few sessions on these mats, and they are destined for the tip. His thinking was that there must be a way of creating a highly functional product that was also aesthetically beautiful. His inspiration grew, and Yoga Design Lab was born.
The brand’s mats are crafted from natural tree rubber and bonded with a microfiber suede surface to provide exceptional grip, stability, and comfort. It’s the conscious construction which sets these mats apart, as they are entirely free from harmful materials like PVC, silicone, and phthalates. By choosing this travel mat, practitioners can not enjoy their yoga session from wherever they are but also actively reduce their environmental impact.
Maintaining Your Yoga Flow
Travel can be tiresome, and most of us encounter changes to circadian rhythms. But doing some form of gentle exercise, including yoga, can give you a sense of balance, ease jet lag and help you stay in the moment.
A great way to continue your practice while on the move is to find a local yoga class. If there isn’t one available or one that works with your timings, you can always do some gentle poses in your hotel room. If you’re close to a beach or park, why not do a yoga session there? Not only will you get a good workout, but you’ll also be able to connect with nature as well.
There are many styles of yoga, and while practising asanas like a deep backbend and arm balances may feel challenging, you can always practice underrated yoga poses that are gentle yet still so beneficial. Think puppy dog pose or legs up the wall. These are great for reducing muscle stiffness and helping you relax.
Yoga incorporates the mind, body and soul. The practice alone will help with all three. But don’t forget the importance of meditation through movement. Not all meditation requires sitting on a cushion cross-legged with your eyes closed. Walking meditation on the beach, chanting, gazing meditation and breathing meditation are just some of the ones to be explored.
Pranayama, or controlled breathing, can be a powerful tool for travellers. They can be used to soothe the nervous system, reduce high blood pressure as well as regulate the heart rate. To reduce stress, alternate nostril breathing is a great technique.
Most of us are addicted to our phones, and it’s hard for some to leave their phone even for 10 minutes. While it’s tempting to whip out your phone to capture your travel memories, you will benefit from mindfulness if you see the world with your eyes instead of through the camera’s lens. So, learn to be ‘in the moment’ when on the move and try to take in as much of your surroundings as possible without constantly being on the phone.
You may even want to book yourself a complete yoga travel holiday by heading to a yoga retreat. Yoga holidays are increasing in popularity as more and more people realise the importance of leading a balanced life. Combining travel with yoga will enhance wellness and allow you to connect with like-minded people while exploring new parts of the world.
These are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t let yoga fall by the wayside when travelling. Yoga can add so many wonderful dimensions to your travels and can truly enhance a trip. So next time you pack your case, pack your yoga mat and see what wonderful adventures are waiting for you both on and off the mat. Your mind, body and soul with thank you for it.
Yoga Design Lab – Where and How?
For more information on Yoga Design Lab, visit www.yogadesignlab.com.
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