Find your flow in the fresh air

There’s something quietly powerful about being in nature. The crisp air filling your lungs, the soft rustle of trees, birds calling out in scattered song. A squirrel darting across your path, leaves swirling in the breeze, and that gentle kiss of sunlight warming your skin. It’s no wonder studies show that time spent outdoors can lift your mood, ease anxiety, and help you feel more at peace.

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As the nights get shorter and the days get longer, now is the perfect time to stretch in the great outdoors. Practising yoga outside is more than just a gimmick – it really does offer a host of benefits. Carry on reading to discover why you should take your next yoga practice outside.

6 healing benefits of practicing yoga outside

Here are six reasons to roll out your mat in the great outdoors:

Connect with nature
Practising outside deepens your sense of connection with the natural world. The textures, smells, sounds, and sensations around you help ground your body, calm your mind, and encourage mindfulness in every movement.
Boost your mood
Natural sunlight increases serotonin levels – your body’s happy hormone. That post-flow glow gets even better with a little fresh air and sunshine, leaving you feeling lighter, brighter, and more centred in your body and mind.
Engage your senses
Yoga outdoors invites your senses to wake up. From birdsong to the feeling of grass beneath your fingers, every sound, smell, and sensation enhances your practice and encourages greater awareness of the present moment.
Challenge your balance
Uneven ground adds a new dynamic to your usual flow. It engages your stabilising muscles in a different way, helping you tune into your body and creating a deeper sense of balance and control.
More space
When practising yoga at home or in a cramped studio, it’s easy to feel restricted. Outdoors, you’ve got heaps of space to move your body freely – stretching your arms, flowing between poses, and expanding your practice without limitations.
Feel more present
Without four walls around you, it’s easier to tap into a deeper sense of presence. You’re not just doing yoga – you’re living it, breathing it, and becoming one with the environment around you, completely immersed in the moment.

Why your next yoga practice belongs outdoors.

How to stay safe during your outdoor yoga practice

Outdoor yoga has its magic – but a little prep goes a long way. Here are three tips to help you practise safely:

Choose the right spot
Look for a level, stable surface with enough space to move freely. Avoid areas with stones, roots, or sharp debris underfoot. A picnic blanket or thicker mat can help if the ground is uneven or hard.
Protect yourself from the elements
Whether it’s sunscreen, insect repellent, or a light jacket, make sure you’re ready for whatever the weather brings. And always stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
Be mindful of your surroundings
If you’re in a public space, it’s worth practising a little awareness. Stay tuned in to people, pets, or cyclists who might pass by – and embrace the occasional distraction as part of the experience.

Savasana under the sky

When it’s time to settle into Shavasana (corpse pose) and melt into the mat, you’ll find yourself more aware of the world around you than ever before. The crashing waves, the distant hum of life continuing, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Nature doesn’t just hold space for your practice – it becomes part of it.

So next time you’re heading for the mat, take it outside. Embrace the elements and breathe in the world around you – you might just discover a whole new way to connect with yourself and the natural world.