Stay Cool in the Heatwave: Yoga for when the sun shines its brightest!

Introduction:


As the heat rises, it's essential to adapt our yoga practice to stay balanced and energised. Hot weather can affect our bodies differently, so we need to change our usual routines. By practicing routines suitable for hot weather, we can harness the power of the sun and maintain our well-being. In this blog, we will explore the best yoga practices to help you stay cool, calm, and connected during the hot weather!


Sitali Pranayama (Cooling Breath):


When the temperature rises, it's crucial to find ways to cool down from within. Sitali Pranayama, also known as the Cooling Breath, is an effective technique to achieve this. Sit comfortably, preferably in a cross-legged position, and roll your tongue like a straw or "O" shape. Inhale deeply through the curled tongue, filling your lungs, and then exhale slowly through the nose. This breath helps to lower body temperature, reduce stress, and enhance focus, making it ideal for hot weather.


Lunar Flow or Yin Yoga:


In hot weather, practicing a slower, more gentle form of yoga can be highly beneficial. Lunar Flow or Yin Yoga, with its calming and cooling nature, can be a perfect choice. These practices involve holding poses for an extended period, allowing the body to relax and release tension. Incorporating poses such as Child's Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose can help activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of tranquility and reducing heat-related discomfort.


Sun Salutations at Sunrise or Sunset:


Embracing the natural rhythm of the day, practicing Sun Salutations at sunrise or sunset can be a beautiful way to synchronise with nature while avoiding the peak heat hours. As the sun is not at its zenith during these times, the temperature is more bearable, allowing you to enjoy your practice without feeling overheated. The flowing movements of Sun Salutations help build strength, flexibility, and focus, making it an excellent practice for any weather.


Cooling Asanas:


Incorporating specific cooling asanas into your practice can provide relief and rejuvenation during hot weather. Poses like Forward Fold (Uttanasana), Standing Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana), and Supported Shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) promote blood circulation, calm the nervous system, and refresh the body. These asanas also help to alleviate any fatigue or sluggishness caused by the heat, leaving you feeling more energised.


Hydration and Rest:


Regardless of the yoga practice you choose during a heatwave, it is crucial to prioritise hydration and rest. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your practice to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Take breaks whenever necessary, listen to your body's cues, and never push yourself beyond your limits. Remember, yoga is about finding balance and honouring your body's needs.


Conclusion:


As the UK prepares for a heatwave at the end of July, incorporating these yoga practices into your routine will help you stay cool, calm, and connected. Whether it's the soothing Sitali Pranayama, Lunar Flow or Yin Yoga, Sun Salutations at optimal times, cooling asanas, or simply prioritising hydration and rest, these practices will support your well-being in hot weather. Embrace the heat, adapt your yoga practice, and make the most of the summer sunshine while maintaining a balanced body and mind. Stay safe, hydrated, and enjoy the transformative power of yoga, even in the midst of a heatwave.


by Kieran Bell 8 November 2023
If you’re seeking a holistic approach to wellness and self-transformation, I offer a unique blend of one to one yoga practices that can help achieve your physical, mental, and emotional goals. With a special focus on trauma-informed yoga, my one to one sessions provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth. Here is a quick rundown of what I offer and how it might help - as always, you are welcome to call me on 07557 506920 email me at info@waveyogatherapies.com - or message me on Instagram or Facebook to have a chat about your journey and how I can help. Trauma-Informed Wave Yoga Therapies My trauma-informed yoga classes are designed to help individuals dealing with past trauma, stress, or anxiety. These sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore yoga as a tool for healing. Trauma release yoga, which is suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike, focuses on gentle movements and breathwork to release tension and promote emotional well-being, I offer this on a one to one basis in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and surrounding areas - please contact me to book an initial consultation, where we can discuss the best path for you. I would advise booking a series of sessions (which I offer at a discounted rate) - from just £55 per hour One to one Yoga Sessions If you prefer a more personalised approach to your yoga path - I offer private yoga sessions that can include any practice you wish to purse. These sessions are tailored to your specific needs and goals, making it a perfect choice for those seeking personalised attention and guidance on their yoga journey, anyone looking to move toward yoga instructor qualifications or those who prefer a more tailored and personal approach to their practice. In addition those new to yoga have found taking a few one to one sessions helps builds confidence and strength, prior to regularly attending my group classes. Price start at just £35 per hour - Please click here to contact me and book - alternatively you are welcome to call me on 07557 506920, message me on Instagram or Facebook. One to one Vinyasa Flow For those looking for a transformative yoga session, I offer a personalised 60-minute Vinyasa flow session for just £35 for the (blocks of 4 sessions are discounted at just £125 - and you can choose the times of your Vinyasa to suit you!) Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic practice that combines breath and movement, helping you build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity in a short time. Please contact me for more information. Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra Restorative yoga focuses on deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Combined with Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique, these sessions help you find deep rest, reduce stress, and restore balance in your life. I work with many people who find having a personalised restorative yoga session very beneficial, as this can be tailored toward individual needs and goals - allowing them to be fully absorbed into the meditation and getting the most from this rejuvenating practice. Please contact me for more information. Contact me and book your one to one yoga session Embarking on your yoga journey is an exciting and transformative experience - and one to one tuition can really help you move forward and create balance in your life. Whether you’re new to yoga and unsure of where to begin - or a seasoned yogi looking to process further down your path - together we can find a way to deepen your connection, move and release. Contact me today and book your free one-to-one session and being your journey toward transformations and healing. You are welcome to call me on 07557 506920 email me at info@waveyogatherapies.com - or message me on Instagram or Facebook to have a chat about your journey and how I can help.
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In May 2022 I went to a Balance and Bliss personal retreat experience to process a personal loss and take time out to refocus my attention on the next steps of my life's journey.

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