Wherever your travels may take you this summer, there’s one thing we recommend making room for in your suitcase — a yoga mat! Set yourself up for success by bringing a travel mat that can fold up and fit in the bottom of your luggage. Here we share five reasons why bringing a mat with you on vacation will make this your best holiday yet.
1. Get the most out of your vacation with mindfulness.
With so many new things to see and do, vacations can go by in a blur. Sometimes we’re so focused on checking things off our itinerary that we forget to be truly present in the moment. Starting or ending your day with a few minutes on your yoga mat can help you to stay centered and bring mindfulness into the rest of your day.
2. Stay centered and grounded.
Vacations are awesome but, let’s be honest, they can also be stressful at times. Having your mat with you lets you come “home,” and re-center yourself, even after crazy flight delays and other travel chaos.
3. Stretch and relax your body.
Most vacations involve lots of walking and sightseeing, which can lead to tight muscles. Unwind after a day of exploring with a few stretching poses and a restorative legs up the wall pose.
4. Fight jet lag with yoga.
Start your mornings with an energizing Vinyasa flow to get your blood pumping, and you’ll find it much easier to set you internal clock to the right time zone and recover from jet lag.
5. Find some “me time.”
Remember, your vacation is a time for you to enjoy yourself and get away from everyday life. Make the most of your getaway with a yoga practice that is right for you. Maybe you want some fiery sequences that get you energized and rejuvenated, or you need a week of deeply relaxing restorative poses. It’s your vacation so make it about you!
If you’re more comfortable practicing with a teacher than on your own, it can be fun to check out new studios in the cities you’re visiting or you can also ask your hotel or resort if they offer classes. You can also find tons of online classes on sites like Namaste TV or YogaGlo.
Kate Horodyski
Kate is a freelance writer, a wellness blogger, and she has trained as a yoga teacher and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner. You can find her online at www.myspiritualroadtrip.com and on Instagram @katehorodyski.
