Y is for Yoga: mindfulness in nature

The physical practice of yoga goes hand in hand with mindfulness.

Yoga postures (asanas) are designed to align and calm the body, mind and spirit in preparation for meditation; moving through each posture in synchronisation with your breath requires awareness and being present in the moment.

Practising outdoors also brings yoga – which translates as ‘union’ – back to its original ethos of connecting humanity with nature.

Try a breathing exercise; find a quiet space outside where you feel comfortable being barefoot. Take a moment to centre yourself, feeling the ground beneath your feet. Lift your arms up, breathe in deeply, allowing your ribcage and lungs to expand, and look up to your hands.

Exhale as you lower your arms, noticing a slowing of your heart rate; repeat up to five times.

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