The temperature in London recently has been hooooot! I absolutely love this weather however I know for some people in can become uncomfortable especially at night! In order to cope with the weather you can use your yoga practice to cool down and bring comfort into the body. Here are a few handy tips for your yoga practice;
– Use your yoga practice to open the body with wide stance stretches such as Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana), Triangle (Trikonasana) and Tree pose (Vrksasana). When we go wide with the legs and take the arms out to the side or above the head this opens up the legs and the armpits to release excess heat.
– Practice cooling breathing techniques such as Chandra Bhedana, Sitali and Sitkari. These techniques will help to draw in cool energy and release hot energy.
– During hot weather many people suffer with swollen feet. If so take a moment to relax with your legs extended up against a wall. This will drain the fluid from the feet. When the temperature is high the heart pumps out more blood therefore this pose helps to return blood back up to the heart. As you hold the pose observe your breath and allow your body to completely relax.
– If you feel lethargic or tired in the hot weather practice deep relaxation (Yoga Nidra). When coming into Savasana allow your feet and arms to spread out wide to release excess heat in the body as mentioned in the first point. During the relaxation your body temperature will start to settle. As you relax you will become open to invite a new energy into the body which will allow you to feel refreshed after the session.
– During your yoga practice take the time to slow down. Moving in a calm and mindful manner as well as being patient and present with each stretch will aid you in keeping cool.
– Drink plenty of water especially after your practice.
– If all else fails drive to the beach and practice in the sea as I am in the picture above
Keep cool and calm!
J x
