Tips to Maintain Your Practice Wherever You Are
It’s that time of year again for a busy summer season filled with all kinds of travel plans. Whether you’re traveling for work or for fun, don’t let your yoga practice fall by the wayside! Here are a few ways to make sure you’re keeping up with your practice even when you’re not at home or able to attend your favorite class at AYC.
Hold Realistic Expectations
When you’re traveling, it may not be feasible to fit in your usual hour-long daily practice or your three regular weekly classes. Decide on a goal for your practice that’s both reasonable and attainable. After all, a little yoga is better than no yoga, right?
Fifteen to 30 minutes of yoga a day or a few times a week is a realistic goal even while traveling. Schedule out some time in the morning or the evening to commit to so your practice doesn’t start slipping away. This blocked-out time for self-care will help create a consistent routine for you no matter where you go or how busy you might be. Let your practice keep you focused, centered and aware as you move from place to place.
Create a Go-to Yoga Practice for Yourself
Your yoga practice can be as simple as you feel necessary. Don’t get caught up in thinking that you have to have an elaborate routine every day, because that won’t be attainable. Write down a few simple sequences that you can always go to. You’ll have an easier time being committed to your practice if you already have a plan in mind for your asana sequence. Take some notes on your phone for an easy reference from anywhere you go.
Learn to Improvise
You can take your practice with you in a hotel room or outside on the beach. Wherever you are, you can still maintain your practice. Even if you’re feeling tired from traveling, incorporate a few gentle Yin poses to help you release tension to give your body the relaxation that it needs. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you show up and practice.
Make a Travel Yoga Kit
Be prepared on the road with your own travel kit for your practice! You can find travel mats, blocks, blankets and straps in the Boutique to keep in your car.
It’s okay if you don’t have all your essentials or if you forget them at home. Remember, you can practice anywhere! You don’t have to have a mat to practice, and a bathrobe tie or scarf will work just as well as a strap. Be willing to improvise with what resources you have available and don’t get discouraged that you don’t have your normal props.
Attend a Local Class
If you’re the kind of person that really needs a classroom environment for your practice, then do some research on yoga studios in the area that you’re traveling to. In this day and age, yoga classes can be found just about anywhere. Be open to learning something new from a new teacher and community. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will only help you grow!
Don’t neglect your practice while you travel and use these tips to make sure you stay committed. Your mind and body will thank you!
Find Your Home Away from Home at AYC
Asheville is the perfect destination for a relaxing summer vacation. Let Asheville Yoga Center be your sanctuary even though you might be miles from home. We offer 2-day and 7-day unlimited yoga vacation passes.
Complete your vacation with cozy and convenient accommodations just down the road from the AYC campus. We offer 2-day or more Asheville yoga retreats at the beautiful Namastay House! Enjoy the picturesque Asheville mountains and the highest quality yoga classes. Single and double rooms are available, including vacation passes to AYC. Book your stay today!
