‘We’re all going on a Summer Holiday’ 🎶 – so the song happily goes. Here at MoreYoga HQ the team is in holiday mode, with day-dreams of warmer climes and far-flung adventures filling us with excitement. That’s right – even a team of Yogis need a break from the office!
We all know that taking time out from the daily grind to rest and recoup is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, so it’s ironic that the admin and travel side of holidays can leave you feeling even more depleted than before. From packing lists to itinerary planning for you (and your cohort), not to mention the potential energetic effects of travelling itself, mounting stressors can leave you feeling off kilter and ungrounded.
MoreYoga is all about carving out time away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, and arguably this couldn’t be more important than when it comes to holidays. Luckily, Yoga and its sister science, Ayurveda, have a wealth of holistic practices on offer to help combat any potential effects that travel can have on our systems. Below we’ve collated a list of tips and tools to help you ground and relax amidst the chaos.
1) Instantly Calmer: the Physiological sigh
If you’re in an acute moment of stress, your nerves will be heightened and breathing short. Try the physiological sigh: start with a double inhale through the nose filling the lungs as much as possible, before exhaling entirely through the mouth. A technique often adopted naturally by the body during sleep or in moments of anxiety, this method helps regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, taking us away from ‘fight or flight’ mode. Repeat 1-3 times anytime, anywhere, for an instant dose of calm.
2) Get in the Timezone: Timing & Routine is everything
In Ayurveda it’s said that we all have a mixture of three constitutions or ‘Doshas’ that comprise our unique blueprint. ’Vata’ Dosha [relating to the air element] is said to be the most volatile and becomes out of balance when we travel by air, alter our daily routines or enter an unfamiliar time zone. Instead of giving in to the post-flight nap temptation, adjust your watch, phone and any other devices to the local time zone, and let your routine follow. This will encourage your body to adjust to your new surroundings and help minimise jet lag.
3) Hydration is Key: Drink up in more ways than one
According to Ayurveda, staying hydrated is a must for keeping Vata Dosha in check whilst travelling. Whilst sugary and caffeinated drinks will be available at every turn – from inflight to hotel mini bar – if you can, opt for warm herbal teas to keep your body and digestion functioning optimally. Whilst flying, Ayurveda also promotes the topical use of oil as a barrier against dry cabin air. The most common and practical method is Abhyanga [or full body massage] which can be done pre-travel using a simple sesame or coconut oil. If you want to dive deeper, you can apply specific oils inside the nose & ear canals for extra protection.
4) Digital Detox: Go device free
This is an oldie but a goodie – so always worth a mention. We spend enough time glued to our screens in everyday life, with the average person spending up to five hours a day on their phone alone. So unless it’s for a guided meditation or to capture memories on camera, put your phone away where possible. Even for this short time on holiday, set an intention to step away from your
We’ll Be Here When You’re Back!
At MoreYoga, we believe flexibility isn’t just for your body it’s for your life. Start your journey now with our unbeatable intro offer: your first month for just £1, then half price for life.
Meditation & podcast recommendations:
- Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/
- Kirsty Gallagher: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4YVT420KgWaY0VQdUD9X?si=9103d81db2064db0&nd=1&dlsi=08d60b0cf4f2473e
- The Simple Ayurveda Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-simple-ayurveda-podcast/id1436672214
- For Soul’s Sake: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-souls-sake/id1662113346
5) Stretch it out: Take your yoga practice with you
You don’t need to be at your local MoreYoga studio to take a stretch, and usually when travelling there are a few moments of limbo you can use to your advantage. Rather than scrolling on your phone whilst waiting to board your flight, take some simple stretches such as Uttanasana [Forward Fold], Balasana [Child’s pose], Paschimottanasana [Seated bend] and Parivrtta Sukhasana [Easy Seated Twist] – examples below! Finding some pre and post travel movement can help boost circulation, reduce stiffness and enhance comfort.