- Watch the weather: If you're attending an outdoor yoga event, monitor the weather. Weather can be unpredictable, but you can minimize it's impact by bringing gear that allows you to comfortably adjust accordingly. Sunscreen, hair clips, and several light layers of clothing are essential.
- Dress appropriately: On sunny days, stick to cool fabrics that wick water away from your body. Avoid wearing dark colors, which absorb more heat from the sun. Also consider the possibility of wearing sunglasses, especially if you're doing yoga on the beach or near the water. On windy days, consider wearing a headband to prevent hair from blowing into your face, and always pack an extra hair clip.
- Choose your space wisely: The hardwood floors of indoor studios have spoiled us. When you are setting up your yoga mat outdoors, there's more to consider then proximity to the teacher/attractive yoga student/exit. Survey the ground prior to laying down your mat. Avoid rocks, wet patches, uneven ground, and areas prone to excessive sunlight.
- Bring a towel: Whether you're practicing yoga on dirt, grass, sand, or pavement, having a towel to wipe down your feet before and after your practice is essential. Practicing yoga in the sunlight also causes a quicker build up in heat throughout the body, so having a towel to wipe down sweat is helpful. It is also good to wipe down your mat after lifting it off the ground.
- Beware of bugs: If you're outdoors, there are bugs. Beware. Mosquitos and other small, biting creatures can become a nuisance if you aren't mentally prepared for them to be around. If you're practicing yoga in the grass, you can also expect to see some other creepy crawlers coming to visit you during savasana. Consider putting on bug repellent prior to your practice. If you're practicing on your own, you may even want to light a few candles or some incense.
- Choose your mat wisely: Your mat will get dirty. If you only own one mat, you may want to consider buying a second one, specifically for your outdoor practice. Depending on the surface that you'll be practicing on, you may also want to consider purchasing a mat with extra cushioning. Consider laying a towel down beneath your mat, especially if you're practicing on the sand.
- Stay hydrated: It's easy to become over heated when practicing yoga in the sun. Monitor temperatures and keep extra water on hand. Prior to your practice, make sure you're properly hydrated. During your practice, slowly sip water. If possible, avoid practicing in direct sunlight as this will cause you to become dehydrated quicker.
- Beware of outdoor distractions: Birds, passing cars, passing people, wind (and those little buggies from above!): when practicing yoga outdoors, these are all potential distractions. Use your time on the mat as an opportunity to develop the ability to stay present and focused. If possible, avoid practicing in outdoor locations where these distractions are excessive.
- Chose your practice time wisely: To minimize sun exposure, avoid practicing yoga during peak sun time (10 am to 4 pm). If you have allergies, avoid practicing in the morning when mold and pollen counts are the highest. To avoid mosquito attacks, practice during daylight hours.
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