Keeping Cool During Summer Yoga

As the summer season arrives, practicing yoga becomes a challenge for many enthusiasts due to the scorching heat. However, yoga is a flexible and adaptive practice that can be adjusted to the weather conditions. Here’s some advice on how you can maintain a peaceful yoga practice during the summer.

 

Adjusting Yoga Practice for Summer Heat

When practicing vinyasas (sequences of postures in motion), it’s recommended to slow down and focus on comfortable breathing throughout the practice in order to reduce heat buildup. You can regulate your body temperature efficiently if you take breaks between poses and embrace the essential Tadasana (Mountain Pose).

Cooling Breath Exercises for Summer Yoga

Cooling breath exercises are effective at controlling body temperature and promoting relaxation during the summer yoga. Make sure you incorporate them into your practice and daily life to relax and calm down. Sheetali Pranayama is an exercise that involves rolling the sides of your tongue to create a tube-like shape. Exhale through this tube and inhale through your nose, producing a hissing sound. Make sure you practice this breathing cycle multiple times to experience its cooling effects. If you have low blood pressure or respiratory issues, consult a doctor.

 

Relaxation Techniques for Yoga in Hot Weather

It is possible to combat the heat by incorporating meditation, deep breathing, long shavasanas (relaxation poses), yoga nidra, and appropriate postures. Using the fetal position, a simple forward bend combined with the focus on exhalation, can calm and cool the body. Incorporating restorative postures with props enhances relaxation. You can deepen your relaxation experience by focusing on positions such as Supta Baddha Konasana (Supported Bound Angle Pose), supported child’s pose, or supported bridge pose.

It may be tempting to use air conditioning as an instant source of relief, but excessive external cooling can disrupt the body’s ability to adapt to changes in temperature. It impairs muscle activity and hinders the development of temperature tolerance mechanisms. Instead, embrace the natural environment by practicing yoga without air conditioning. For more information, check out this article that discusses the advantages of practicing yoga without air conditioning.

 

When practicing hot yoga, it is essential to replenish lost fluids. However, drinking cold water during practice artificially cools the body, negating the benefits of internal heat regulation. Avoid drinking cold water during practice to maintain the body’s natural balance. To restore fluid levels, hydrate before and after your session.

Maintaining Inner Calm in the Summer Yoga

It is common for anxiety to increase as the temperature rises. Yoga offers a range of tools to help promote relaxation and tranquility even in hot environments. To soothe your nerves and find inner calm in the summer heat, incorporate the techniques mentioned above, such as breath control, meditation, and relaxing postures.

Tips For Summer Yoga

Tip 1: Embrace the Summer Vibes and Take It Outside

Take your yoga outdoors during the sunny season! Find a peaceful spot in your backyard, a nearby park, or even a beach! It’s so refreshing and invigorating to practice yoga in nature.

Imagining the warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze caressing your face, and birds chirping in the background, it’s like a mini-vacation for your body and soul. Just remember to find a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Put on sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and roll out your mat for summer yoga bliss.

Tip 2: Stay Hydrated and Refreshed

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session. Hydration helps regulate your body temperature, prevent dizziness, and keep your energy levels up.

Take a slice of lemon, a slice of mint, or even a slice of cucumber and infuse your water. It’s a refreshing twist you’ll keep sipping all day. If you don’t like plain water, try coconut water, herbal tea, or fruit-infused water.

You’ll thank yourself for taking water breaks during those sweaty summer yoga sessions if you listen to your body.

Tip 3: Dress Light and Breezy

During your practice, wear light and breathable clothing that lets your skin breathe. Choose fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking materials that help absorb sweat and promote airflow.

It’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes because they allow for easy movement and ventilation. You want to feel comfortable and free as you move through your poses. Get rid of heavy fabrics and get into cute and airy yoga tank tops, shorts, or leggings.

Also, remember to don’t forget your feet! Summer is the perfect time to wear open-toe yoga sandals or go barefoot on your mat. Let your toes wiggle and enjoy the summer breeze while you move.

Tip 4: Adjust Your Practice to Beat the Heat

• Don’t overdo it: Choose gentle and relaxing yoga instead of intense and vigorous flows. Slowing down allows your body to cool down and prevents overexertion.

• Breathing exercises like Sheetali and Sheetkari can help you lower your body temperature and bring calm to your practice.

• Practicing under a tree or using an umbrella can provide much-needed shade and keep you cooler if you’re practicing outdoors.

• Listen to your body and modify your poses if you’re feeling too hot or tired. Take child’s pose, rest in a seated position, or explore more grounding and supported postures.

Tip 5: Wind Down with

Start by taking a cool shower or splashing yourself with cold water. This will bring down your body temperature and instantly rejuvenate you.

Enjoy a delicious and hydrating post-yoga snack. Try watermelon, cucumber slices, or a smoothie packed with fruits and greens.

Find a shady spot, lay on a soft towel, and take a few minutes to do Savasana. The perfect way to cool down, absorb your practice, and get ready for a lovely summer day.

The Best Yoga Spots For Summer:

Outside

Parks, beaches, gardens, or even your own backyard can be beautiful places to practice yoga. Enjoy the fresh air, natural surroundings, and the soothing sounds of nature.

Rooftop or Balcony

If you live in a city with rooftops or terraces, these can be great places to practice yoga. Enjoy the views while finding tranquility amidst the city.

Yoga Studios

Many yoga studios offer special summer classes or workshops. Check with local studios in your area to see if they have any outdoor or seasonal options. Some studios may even organize yoga retreats in scenic locations.

Retreat Centers

The centers often come with serene surroundings and dedicated spaces for yoga practice. They can be located in scenic settings such as mountains, forests, or by the sea.

Beaches and Waterfronts

You can practice yoga on the sand or near the water if you live near a beach or waterfront. Just be mindful of the tides and choose a less crowded spot.

Yoga Festivals

Yoga festivals and outdoor wellness events are popular in the summer. These events often offer yoga classes, workshops, and other activities.