I recently planned a trip with a long flight, and it was with this trip in mind that I thought about the way my travel in general has changed since I started practicing yoga more regularly. And not just flights. Long car rides too (and I do love a road trip).
First there are sun salutations. That seems to hit all the right spots for me when I’ve unfolded from my seat and arrived where I need to be and settle into my room. It lengthens where I need to lengthen, and I feel like it gets the blood circulating once again. But if I’m still waiting somewhere, like an airport, I can mimic some poses I love to still get a good stretch. These are provided I was able to find a nice, sturdy chair. Like a seated pigeon with one ankle resting on a knee (still getting that figure 4 shape), foot flexed and then a slight lean forward until I feel that stretch. Or perhaps a spinal twist, with my hands braced on the chair.
Another thing that’s helped with traveling? Breathwork.
Travel can be stressful. Whether it’s a crowded airport, a tight connection, a flight delay or cancellation, or highway traffic on 35 (fellow Texans may understand this). I’ve grown more attuned with my breath in the years since I’ve practiced yoga, and it strikes me sometimes when it becomes short and quick. I may notice that before I sense elsewhere in the body how stressed or frazzled I might be. A deep breath, followed by a few more, may not help the traffic flow more, but it can start to affect my nervous system.
Once I’ve calmed the body, I can come back to the situation at hand. Flight delayed? Okay, well, how much? Can I go do some airport shopping or might it be good to get a quick bite to eat? Or maybe just walk the terminal some more to get a little more movement in before boarding. I can start to ask myself what’s in my control and how can I make the experience a little more enjoyable.
We’re also entering another busy travel season with the holidays coming up. The Mat still offers virtual classes, which could be a great way to still get a full practice in while traveling! What are some other ways yoga has helped you with travel?
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
