One of the reasons why people fell in love with yoga exercise is the fact that it can be done anywhere. Whether you are at home or in a studio, you can execute those various poses that connect the mind and body.
But according to research done in Sweden, doing yoga outdoors can give you additional benefits as it improves two essential components of the exercise: the wakeful relaxation and internal focus. The director of the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy, Amos Clifford said, “It makes sense to practice inside during inclement weather but, when did we forget to take our practice outside on a glorious day?”
Take a look at these five ways how outdoors can enhance your yoga exercise. Make sure you have your favourite yoga leggings or mesh leggings and try doing the activity outside.
WHAT OUTDOOR YOGA DOES
1. Gives you more energy
Spending time outside with nature can actually give you more power. According to science, our brains have its survival means of bursting energy in a moment of stress. This is the reason why a person feels increased vigour and vitality when immersed in a natural setting. When it recognises that our body is present in its native environment, it triggers the senses to be more mindful. Thus, replenishing the depleted energy.
2. Source of Vitamin D
Doing yoga outside will let you spend more time under the sun. One of its apparent benefits is getting your daily fix of Vitamin D, which is a known as a great agent in weight loss and fighting depression. Yogis should just limit their exposure to the sun as too much ultraviolet light may cause health problems.
3. Boosts your awareness
One of the things you could not get in indoor yoga is heightened senses. Doing yoga outdoors brings an additional boost to your consciousness. The fresh air nature provides is elevating your breathing process. As a result, you become more aware of yourself.
An outdoor yoga instructor revealed, “I can really feel the oxygen flowing through me, clearing my mind and empowering my practice.”
Aside from this, there are chemicals that the leaves, sand, grass, and water that does not just wake up our sense but also gives us a feeling of pleasure.
MORE BENEFITS
4. Builds confidence
Doing outdoor yoga can be awkward on the first try. But that is where the challenge lies. The exercise will force you to step out of your comfort zone to discover new interpretations and familiarity with a new environment outside your home or a gym studio. According to Amos, “Your body is a research instrument.Learn how to use it.”
5. Lessens exposure to stress
Again study revealed that people who have more exposure to the forested setting than an urban environment will be less prone to stress. Clifford cited that Buddha, who regularly went on meditation, was in a forest and not in a hall when he exercised his mind. The sounds produced by the wind, trees, and birds bring more comfort and relaxation to a person.