Holidays are one of the biggest highlights of our yearly calendars, providing some much-needed time to relax and unwind from the stresses and strains of modern life as well as the chance to break from routine and experience somewhere entirely new.
From immersing ourselves in a different culture and trying mouth-watering local cuisine, to seeing breath-taking sights and ticking off once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activities, it’s easy to see why we place such importance on our getaways, and for a many, they are an opportunity to truly embrace life and live it to the full, even if it’s only for a few weeks.
In day to day life though, it’s yoga that provides many with this much-needed respite from the demands of our hectic lifestyles and allows us to stay centred and maintain a sense of balance – and changing your routine when you go on holiday can mean continuing to fit in your sessions around your holiday plans can feel like a challenge.
But in reality, getaways are the perfect time to place an even greater emphasis on wellness and allow you to fully focus on getting back to being the very best version of you.
So, if you’re worried about missing out on your yoga routine and the benefits that come with it while on vacation, then here’s how you can continue to get the most out of it whilst enjoying that long-awaited luxury break.
Plan ahead
The key to maintaining your yoga practice during your holidays is planning ahead – so before packing your bags and leaving, research where you’ll be staying and see if your hotel offers any yoga classes, or whether there are any yoga studios nearby.
These days, the majority of high-end resorts offer classes for yogis of various different levels – but if you want to be certain then look for a wellness-centred resort, which are becoming increasingly popular and often offer a host of wellness-focused activities including various different kinds of yoga, Pilates, sound healing and guided meditations.
Sometimes, you might find yourself travelling to somewhere where this isn’t possible – for example, if you’ll be staying with family or visiting somewhere where you can’t find such a hotel or resort. If this is the case, then try looking up the nearest yoga studios online, and sign up for a class or two during your stay so that you can keep things ticking over.
If you’ll be traveling to a remote location where no yoga studios or classes are available, consider packing a yoga mat and some travel-friendly yoga props. Downloading some yoga videos or apps on your phone is a great idea and will allow you to indulge in a session anywhere, anytime, without the need for an instructor. The great thing about yoga is that you don’t necessarily need direction, and a gentle morning flow done solo in your hotel room or outdoors in nature can instill an even greater sense of calmness into your day.
Packing the right attire for your yoga sessions is also essential, as if you forget it then you might not be able to find the type of clothing you’re looking for in local shops.
Yoga gear should be comfortable and easy to move in, as well as being lightweight enough to keep you cool if you’ll be travelling somewhere warm and sunny – so when you’re shopping for bikinis at Modibodi to wear around the pool or to the beach, remember to treat yourself to a new yoga outfit or two so that you’ll have no excuse not to keep up with your routine whilst away.
Set realistic goals
If you’ve got a packed itinerary for your trip or expect to be moving around a lot, then you might not have as much free time to dedicate to your yoga practice as you’d like. With this in mind, it’s wise to set some realistic goals with regards to how and when you’ll fit in your sessions, and consider adapting your usual flows accordingly.
For example, an hour-long yoga practice might be impossible if you’re going on a hiking holiday and will be out on the trails all day, everyday – so instead, aim for a shorter practice that focuses on stretching and relaxation. Even 10-15 minutes of yoga can help you stay grounded and centred during your vacation, and reduced sessions like these will allow you to keep up the habit without it impacting on your plans.
Try mindful breathing
Mindful breathing is an accessible and effective way to maintain a yoga practice during a holiday, and can be done anywhere, anytime in just a few minutes. It involves paying attention to your breath and focusing on it to calm your mind and body – much as you would during meditation.
To try it, find a quiet spot to sit or lie comfortably. Then, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Stay focused on the act of breathing, allowing yourself to become fully relaxed and allowing any thoughts that come into your mind to just float away, returning your focus back to the breath as and when you notice yourself becoming distracted.
Incorporate yoga into your activities
Another good way to maintain your yoga practice during a holiday is to include yoga in the activities you’ve planned for the trip. One of the most obvious ways to do so is to book yourself onto a yoga retreat, where your practice will be the focus of your entire stay – but if you’re looking to incorporate it in a more relaxed way then consider planning in a daily session on the beach at sunrise or sunset, where the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore will up-level the sense of calmness and relaxation your practice gives you.
The beauty of yoga is that it allows you to fully connect with your surroundings and, in doing so, will enhance your holiday experience.
Connect with local yogis
If you’ll be travelling solo and are heading to a place you’ve never been to before, connecting with local yogis is a great way to meet other like-minded souls who share your passion for the practice. The majority of yoga communities around the world are welcoming and inclusive, and joining the locals for a yoga class can be a cultural experience, while you’ll also find communities of international yogis in many major destinations across the globe who will almost certainly be happy to welcome you into the fold.
Check social media groups or online forums for yoga events in the area. Because different types of yoga are favoured depending on which country you’re in, they will also often provide you with the opportunity to try something new – whether it’s swapping vinyasa for Bikram, ashtanga for nidra, or simply learning a new pose or two to enhance and deepen your practice.
Stay committed to your practice
The most important factor in maintaining your yoga practice during a holiday is simply staying committed – if you can do that, then you’ll always find a way to incorporate it into your break in some way, no matter how packed your schedule is looking.
While getaways are undoubtedly a time to relax and enjoy yourself, it’s important to remember that your yoga practice is integral to your overall wellness routine and an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to staying at your best. Make a conscious effort to prioritise your practice, even if it means missing the free breakfast buffet offered by your hotel or skipping an activity entirely, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.
It’s also important to remember that your yoga sessions don’t have to be perfect. Yoga is a practice that evolves and changes with you, and it’s okay to have days when your practice is not as strict as usual. Remember to be kind to yourself and to enjoy your yoga with compassion and self-awareness, rather than being overly critical of yourself.
Takeaway
With a bit of forward planning and a good helping of flexibility, maintaining your yoga practice whilst away on any type of holiday is entirely possible – and commitment is ultimately the key to doing so. Your time away provides a rare opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh your mind, body, and soul, and your yoga practice can be an integral part of that process.
