Travelling is fun but it can also take a toll on your body and mind. Use yoga as a form of self-care to rejuvenate and reset, says yoga guru Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa. (All images by Freepik and Pexels)
"Incorporate restorative poses and meditation into your practice to promote relaxation and ensure you're taking time for yourself amidst the demands of travel," shares Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar. He shares a few asanas that you can easily do while travelling.
Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): Flow through the Sun Salutation sequence - move through poses like Mountain Pose, Downward Dog, Cobra, and Warrior to create a rhythmic flow. This sequence energises the body and synchronises breath with movement, celebrating the vitality of the season.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet grounded, aligning them with your hips. Extend your arms alongside your body, palms facing forward. Feel the stability of a mountain, connecting with the earth beneath you. Inhale deeply, and with each exhale, release any tension, embracing the serenity of the outdoors.
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Find a firm spot and shift your weight to one leg. Place the sole of your other foot on the inner thigh or calf, avoiding the knee. Bring your palms together in front of your chest or extend your arms overhead like branches. Focus on a point ahead to enhance balance, feel rooted and reach for the sky.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach, placing your hands beneath your shoulders. Inhale as you lift your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Arch your back and gaze upward, resembling a cobra. Feel the stretch in your spine and chest
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana): Sit with your legs extended, then bring the soles of your feet together. Allow your knees to drop toward the ground, opening your hips. Hold your feet and gently flutter your knees, resembling butterfly wings. This pose encourages flexibility and a sense of openness.
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the ground, sitting back on your heels. Extend your arms forward and lower your chest toward the earth, resting your forehead on the ground. This resting pose promotes relaxation.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Begin on your hands and knees, tuck your toes, and lift your hips toward the sky. Straighten your legs and press your palms into the ground.
Incorporate simple breathing techniques, like Kapal Bhati or equal inhale-exhale counts, to stay connected to your practice even when you don't have the physical space for elaborate poses. Mindful breathing helps reduce stress, increase focus, and can be practised discreetly in any environment.
Lift your arms keeping them at shoulder-width distance. Walk with your arms raised in this position and your hands can be up in the air for 1-3 minutes. Start with slowly, gradually increasing duration until you have the strength required to hold your arms up for 1-3 minutes straight.
"Practicing yoga while travelling is not only possible but also beneficial for overall well-being. By keeping your practice simple, adaptable, and consistent, you can seamlessly integrate yoga into your travel routine, allowing you to stay centred, no matter where your adventures take you," says Himalayan Siddha Akshar.