Why Taking Your Yoga Practice Outdoors Is So Powerful

There’s something so beautiful  about unrolling your mat on the grass and beneath the open sky. Research tells us that practicing yoga outdoors doesn't just provide a shift in scenery, it transforms your experience in ways that nurture both your body and mind and here’s how:

1. Rejuvenation Through Nature

Stepping outside and immersing yourself in nature helps restore mental energy

 and focus. According to Attention Restoration Theory, natural environments capture our attention effortlessly, allowing our directed attention (the type we use at work or in stressful situations) to reset and rejuvenate (Wikipedia). This makes outdoor yoga not just relaxing, but refreshingly restorative.

2. Boosted Mood & Lower Stress

Connecting with greenery and fresh air isn’t just peaceful, it is scientifically proven to reduce cortisol level(our stress hormone) and feelings of anxiety and depression (Wikipedia). 

3. Sunshine as a Natural Health Booster

According to ScienceDirect, studies that compared exercise in natural environments versus indoors consistently found greater reductions in anxiety, improved mood, increased energy, positive emotions, and better sleep, all following activity in green spaces 

4. Heightened Balance & Strength

Practicing on uneven ground means your muscles work harder to stabilize your body. Over time, you improve proprioception, balance, flexibility, and core strength (The Yoga Collective, GLXYOGA).

5. Sensory Awakening & Presence

Outdoor settings engage all your senses—sunlight on your skin, birdsong, fresh breezes—exciting your senses and helping you stay deeply rooted in the present moment (Yoga Journal). This sensory richness naturally amplifies mindfulness and intention in each pose.  

6. Strengthened Community Vibes

There’s something special about joining a yoga practice outdoors—with friends or fellow yogis, sharing the environment and energy. It fosters a warm sense of belonging and connection to others (Yoga Mind Fully).

7. Healthier Lungs & Clarity

Fresh air naturally enhances oxygen flow, helping your lungs and mind stay clear and energetic during practice. Practicing pranayama (breathwork) outdoors multiplies these benefits. 

Tips for a Nourishing Outdoor Yoga Session

1. Choose the right spot or find an outdoor yoga class parks, gardens, beaches, or your backyard all work. Our friend Emma @flowwithbreath hosts outdoor yoga classes every Sunday At Humber Park Yoga. Check her instagram account for updates. 
   

   

2. Wear sun protection, sunscreen, hats, or shaded areas help avoid overexposure.

3. Bring a sturdy mat: practicing outdoors can be unpredictable with uneven ground surfaces, that's where Sloflo World mats come in, they are  cushiony, grippy, and easy to clean. 

4. Accept the wild – a breeze, birds, or soft ground can only deepen your connection.