When Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air,” he probably wasn’t talking about yoga. But maybe he should’ve been.
“Yoga helps lower blood pressure, reduces anxiety and relieves stress. So does being outside. If you put them together, you get a double boost of benefits,” says Noelle McLure, group exercise instructor with the OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Center.
We checked in with Noelle for her thoughts on the health benefits of taking your yoga practice outside. Here’s what she shared.
Why take it outside?
Yoga is a mind and body practice that combines breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation to improve your overall health and well-being. Moving your yoga practice outside takes little effort, and the benefits you receive often outweigh any inconvenience, says Noelle.
“The actual yoga moves aren’t any different. But there’s something very soothing about being outside in nature – the sounds of the wind, the trees and the animals. Just being outside to breathe some fresh air can have an uplifting effect,” she explains.
Multiple research studies show going outdoors can help you find inner peace. Mother Nature puts on a fabulous show all year long. We just have to pay attention to reap the benefits, according to Noelle.
“Yoga is about shifting your thoughts from the things that bring you anxiety to something more calming. That’s why you focus on your breath – because there’s a calming rhythm to it. If you’re outside, things like the sounds of the birds help you relieve some of that ruminating that tends to go on in your head,” she says.
“Sometimes I have people just look up at the clouds. How many times do we do that as adults? Almost never, right? When you stop and take the time to look at the shapes of the clouds and meditate, it has a really calming effect,” adds Noelle.
Mastering the art of meditation
Meditation is an essential component of yoga. It can also be challenging to master. Changing your setting often helps.
“There’s a misconception about meditation that you must clear your mind and not think about anything. But your mind is never completely still, so paying attention to some of the things around you – especially in nature – is very helpful,” says Noelle.
“That doesn’t mean your mind is blank,” she adds. “When you meditate, you’re working through things in your head. That’s part of the meditation outside. You think about how nice the sun is on your skin. And you can feel the wind. Things like that can be beneficial in meditating.”
Stay safe
Although the downward-facing dog is the same pose in your living room as in your backyard, changing locations requires a little thought to keep things safe.
“Make sure you check your surroundings,” says Noelle. “You don’t want anything sharp around you or underneath the mat. You don’t want any rocks or sticks too close. And you don’t want any prickly bushes near you. Give yourself lots of space to move around.”
“Yoga is meant to be a journey that doesn’t end. There’s no final destination, and you can begin anytime,” says Noelle. “Don’t be afraid to start. Go outside. Breathe fresh air. Feel the sun. It can make such a big difference.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson would agree.
