4 Essentials for Your Next Outdoor Yoga Session

Spending time outdoors has a plethora of benefits, and when you combine that with the mindful practice of yoga, you've got an excellent formula for well-being. Taking your yoga practice outdoors allows you to connect with nature, soak up the sunshine, and breathe in the fresh air. It's also a great way to reduce stress, decrease heart and respiration rates, and improve mood. Make your yoga room the great outdoors by rolling out your mat in your backyard, garden, or balcony. But before you head outside, you'll need some important items to keep you protected and comfortable throughout your practice. Here are some essentials for your next outdoor yoga session.

Sunscreen

Even if you're practicing yoga on a cool and cloudy day, the sun's rays can still damage your skin. Apply sunscreen liberally before your practice and reapply every two hours. Since you'll be working up a sweat, you'll have to apply more often. A sweat-proof or water-resistant sunscreen can also work for more active sessions to keep you cool and fresh. Find a sunscreen that suits your skin type for a more pleasant experience that won't sabotage your comfort while you pose. Dry skin can benefit from moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or glycerin, oil-free or mattifying sunscreens with niacinamide, which works for oily skin, and sensitive skin can suit a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Reusable Water Bottle

Yoga can be quite the workout, even when doing more relaxing postures. Being outdoors can make you sweat even more, so you'll need to refresh yourself constantly throughout the session. A reusable water bottle is essential for practicing yoga outdoors. It keeps you cool and replenishes the sweat you lost from flowing through poses. A bottle like the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth with Flex Straw Cap makes it easy to sip quickly and stay hydrated. The bottle is also insulated, so you can pour cold water and add a couple of ice cubes in it before you head outside and still be able to enjoy a cool drink hours later. Aim to drink sips throughout your practice, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Sunglasses

Sun salutations don't have to involve getting the sun in your eyes—and potentially harming them. A pair of shades can offer UV protection to keep the harsh sunlight at bay, helping you keep your eyes safe. If you need vision correction, prescription sunglasses will give you clear vision while protecting your eyes. You can easily find a pair online, try them on using the virtual try-on tool, choose single-vision or progressive lenses, and customize them to your preferences before you order them. Models like the Ray-Ban Jack or the Persol PO1935S can offer a chic look while you stretch under the sun. If you're worried about them falling off while doing more tricky poses, find a pair that fits snugly on your face, or use anti-slip ear grips or hooks to keep them secure.

A Yoga Mat with a Good Grip

Relaxation and mindfulness are crucial aspects of yoga, but it can be hard to get into a peaceful mindset if the terrain you're on is uncomfortable. Outdoor surfaces can be uneven and sometimes slippery, so a yoga mat with the right traction on both sides is crucial to prevent slipping and injuries. A mat made of a grippy material like rubber or cork can minimize slipping and boost comfort to help you nail your downward dog. The Flux Cork Yoga Mat provides a superior grip that improves with moisture. Whether you're doing more intense flows or aiming for a more calming session, the mat can adjust to your needs. The natural cork material helps you further immerse yourself in nature, allowing you to appreciate the outdoors as you practice yoga.