As the weather warms, many take their yoga practice to the great outdoors. But, is this right for you? And if you practice yoga after trauma, is this beneficial to your healing? I invite you to read the post and discover outdoor yoga benefits and if it’s right for your healing yoga practice.
How Outdoor Yoga Benefits Trauma Survivors
Being outdoors compared to a studio or your room provides benefits beyond extra vitamin D (which is still a great benefit.)
Here are more benefits:
- This qualitative study discovered veterans experienced an improvement in PTSD symptoms after 10 weeks of nature-based therapy.
- This qualitative study explored nature’s effects on women affected by sexual trauma. Results showed it may improve common symptoms like somatic complaints, dissociation, spiritual struggles and damage to self concept.
- Overall wellbeing: This source discovered natural environments reduced physical and psychological stress, and experienced significant stress reduction compared to those who spent time indoors.
The most important aspect to remember about going outdoors is that it’s only beneficial if you find comfort. If being outdoors creates more anxiety, it’s okay to skip. You know your body and needs best.
How Doing Yoga Outdoors Benefits Your Yoga Practice
In addition to the benefits listed above, you can also create more depth in your yoga practice by practicing outside. Here are a few benefits to explore:
- More profound grounding. Grounding is a wonderful tool for trauma survivors to arrive in the present moment. You can practice grounding anywhere, but outside provides more connection with the earth beneath you.
- Mindfulness improves. It’s easier to notice your surroundings when you’re in nature because of constant movements from trees, sounds, and smells. Noting your five senses is a beneficial mindfulness tool for trauma survivors, and you have loads of more options when you’re outside.
- Option to include the sun in a meditation. Did you know there is a meditation that involves the sun? One of my favorite exercises to do when I need to cultivate self compassion is this simple meditation. I invite you to imagine the sun gently easing or thawing your grief or stress away. You can remain here as long as you like, or imagine this as you’re practicing.
Important To Remember:
As I mentioned before, practicing yoga outside is beneficial, but only if it brings you more comfort. Here are some external factors I welcome you to consider before engaging in an outdoor yoga practice:
- Unpredictable elements. When you practice indoors, you are certain there will be limited distractions. This isn’t the case for outdoors because of insects, the wind, sounds, smells, weather, and more.
- Uneven earth. One of the most obvious differences when you practice outside is how the mat is uneven because of the ground beneath it. For your most comfortable experience, you may wish to practice indoors for a flat, stable surface.
- Possible triggers. When you’re outside, you can’t eliminate certain elements that may be triggering for you. These elements can be different depending on your trauma, but this is important to consider so you can decide if this is the right choice for you.
You always have the final say in your practice. I welcome you to explore what you feel is best for your body and healing. I also welcome you to speak with your support team to see if this is a beneficial option for you right now.
Overview
Practicing yoga outside creates an immersive, grounding experience. If you’re a trauma survivor, you can also find a deeper practice as long as you’re comfortable and feel a sense of safety in your surroundings. I wish you the best as you navigate your yoga and healing journey, and thank you for spending this time with me.
