Practicing Yoga Outdoors- The Packing Essentials

There is something beautiful about practicing yoga outside. Connecting with nature is grounding- in fact, studies show that being in nature improves our mood, lessens anxiety, and lowers blood pressure. However, being in nature isn’t always easy (bugs, wind, rain, heat all come to mind!). Yet, nature and life are reflections of yoga and why we practice (the union between mind and body).
As we approach the summer, here are 6 items in my bag when taking outdoor yoga classes:

1. A yoga mat (I ruined my previous Jade yoga mat over the last 8 years using it outside- from the Whole Foods rooftop to the various Conshy Parks). I now use a $5 mat that I am ok with getting dirty (a bird did poop on my mat when I was teaching last year!). 
2. A towel. If the grass is damp, I might just use the towel or place it under my mat. If I’m on a hard surface, I like to have a towel under my knees for anjanasa (low lunge). The most creative knee-protector I have seen is using a garden weeding cushion!
3. Water bottle. Hydration is important, especially in the summer months. 
4. Sunscreen. Please protect yourself against UV radiation! 
5. Sunglasses. I suggest having a pair next to your mat for when you’re on your back if the sun is bright! You can also use your towel over your face for svanasana. 
6. Bugspray. Unfortunately, if you practice in the grass, it can get buggy some days. A little bit of bug spray is a great repellant, too!

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