The benefits of mountain yoga and destinations for 2021
2020 has been an interesting one to say the least, but one of the great things that came from it is how many of us have reconnected with nature. From daily walks to exploring new landscapes, we have all fallen in love with the countryside, the mountains and the open spaces once again.
As it happens, on 11th December every year we celebrate International Mountain Day. This is a moment to reflect on the biodiversity of mountains worldwide, and the important role they bring to both our lives and the planet. Did you know that mountains...
Host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots and 30 percent of all Key Biodiversity Areas
Are home to many endangered species and 15% of the world’s population
Provide 60-80% of the world’s freshwater - making them key to both our own survival and our planet’s.
Mountains are vital for humanity, but also hold a mystique and drama difficult to find in other habitats. Beyond their very real benefits and importance to life, they are a unique place to practice yoga as well, with some great physical and emotional benefits!
Physical
Feel more energised during your practice
Starting on the physical side, practising yoga in the mountains means you are surrounded by pure air which, pending on altitude, can help your body and brain be more oxygenated, stimulating the cardiovascular system and increasing energy flooding into our bodies.
Emotional
Freedom to focus in the moment
Disconnected from any wifi or phone signal, your brain and body can actually have a break to focus on itself and in the moment. With this comes a huge sense of freedom, which can be seen in the reduction of stress and improved mood. Practising yoga in itself focuses on the act of letting the mind go, yet by practising in the outdoors you are able to take that practice to a higher mental and physical level of freedom.
Going back to basics
Don’t you find that whenever you are outdoors, you are able to sleep better, feel more relaxed and sometimes even more alive? Practising in the mountains can help you feel more connected with the earth and provide a strong sense of being anchored – it’s a way of rising above things and changing your perspective. Going back to nature can create a sense of peace, almost like hitting the refresh button and re-energising us.
New challenges and experiences
Spending time in the mountains and the outdoors, provides the opportunity to open up to new experiences and challenges. Sometimes our routines are very ingrained in our lives, so going out of your comfort zone and achieving something different can have a very positive impact on your self-esteem, helping with stress and even anxiety. Taking time to experience this things and connecting your body, mind and heart in practice can up your experience and be incredibly rewarding.
We know you can’t wait to go out there in 2021, so here is a list of where we would love to go:
The Scottish Highlands
The Swiss Alps
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco
The Blue Mountains in Australia
The Himalayas, India
The Valley of the Incas, Peru
Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada
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