Today, more than ever before, people are looking for ways to balance their work and personal lives. In fact, a recent poll revealed that 43% of working adults in the U.S. want to travel as much as possible in the next year—and it’s no wonder why. After 2+ years of pandemic madness, and you step outside of your everyday routine and enter a new space, you get to see things from different angles and meet new people with different backgrounds and experiences. So here’s some great news: You can simplify your travel experience and still find time for yoga on your next trip! From packing tips to healthy eating recommendations, we’ve got you covered with these top 10 tips for yoga and travelers.
Plan Your Travel and Yoga Schedule Beforehand
Before you leave, plan your yoga and travel schedule. This will help you maximize your time, save money, and stay on track with your wellness goals. If you are traveling to a city that has a studio, try to attend a class as soon as you get there. Not only will this get you into a new rhythm, but it will give you a chance to meet new people, too. If your trip will be longer than 2 weeks, try to attend a series of classes to keep your practice consistent. You can also try to find a teacher online or take a class at a yoga studio or fitness facility near your hotel.
Bring Your Own Yoga Equipment
If you travel frequently, you know that lugging around gear can be stressful. Try to bring your own yoga equipment with you when possible, so you can focus on your practice and not have to worry about what you’ll find at your destination. If you’re going to a studio: Make sure to find out what equipment is available, if any. Many studios have bolsters and blankets available for you to use during the practice, but it’s always good to check beforehand. If you’re going to a hotel or Airbnb: Ask the hotel if there’s somewhere in the room where you can set up your mat and find out if they provide any equipment, like a yoga block or straps. If you’re renting an Airbnb, ask the host if they have yoga mats and equipment you can use. If they don’t, you can ask if it’s OK to set it up in the living room.
Practice Morning and Evening Yoga Rituals
While it’s important to practice yoga at the right times during the day, it’s also essential to set a certain tone or ritual for your practice. If you’re traveling, setting a ritual for your yoga practice can help you balance your travel schedule and stay focused on your goals. When you wake up in the morning, try to set a ritual and quiet time for yourself. Doing so will help you set your intention for the day and figure out what you want to get out of your day. During the evening, it’s important to do something that will help you relax and release your day. Yoga is a great way to do this. It helps you relieve any stress from the day, decompress, and set an intention for the next day.
Take rests between activities or sightseeing stints
If you’re traveling with a group, try to take a rest between activities or a long sightseeing stint. Practicing yogic rest is a form of meditation that helps you to let go of your worries and find a sense of ease and calmness in your life. Practicing yogic rest will also help you to slow down and make sure that you don’t get burned out. When you try to take a 10-minute rest between activities or a long sightseeing stint, find a quiet place where you feel comfortable, and make sure to close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and let go of any stress from that day.
Stay in Arundhathi or Shatkarma as Much as You Can
When you travel, you don’t have control over your diet or routine. Some places have vegan or vegetarian options; others don’t. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to stay in aahara or shatkarma as much as you can. While it may not be a possibility at every location, it’s a good idea to try to stay in shatkarma as much as you can. Stay in shatkarma from sun up to sun down, and aahara from sun down to sun up. If you’re staying at a place that has a kitchen and you have access to a stove, try to eat as many fresh, whole foods as possible. This will help you stay balanced and stay on top of your daily routine when you’re away from home.
Don’t Forget to Stretch and Breathe
When you’re traveling, you’re bound to experience some tightness, pain, and stress. It’s important to find time to stretch and breathe throughout the day so you don’t feel too stressed out. If you’re at a hotel or Airbnb: Ask the host if you can use a common area. If they say yes, try to find a corner in the hotel where you can do some simple stretches or pranayama. If you’re in a group and don’t know where to do it: Ask your tour guide or other members if you can use a common area. If you’re at a park and want to take some time out and breathe, you can sit on a bench and close your eyes.
Utilize the Traveling Time for Exercise
If you’re traveling to a place where there’s a gym nearby and you have time in your schedule, try to do some yoga asanas or meditations. If you have time, you can also try to attend a yoga class or invite a friend to go with you. If there’s no gym near you, don’t forget that you can travel with your yoga mat. When you travel, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in taxis, subways, and airplanes. These traveling times are the perfect opportunity to do some simple exercises, such as yoga flows, yoga asanas, or meditation practices.
Conclusion
For people who are new to yoga, traveling can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a studio nearby or equipment. But don’t worry: There are still many ways to practice yoga on the road. One of the best ways to get in your practice wherever you are is to make it a daily ritual. There are plenty of simple poses that are easy to do in any situation, and they’ll help you stay centered and focused, even when you’re traveling and the pace is hectic.
