Is Restorative Yoga Good in the Heat?
When temperatures rise, many of us naturally slow down. Sleep can become disrupted, energy levels fluctuate and even everyday tasks can feel more demanding.
At this time of year, it can be tempting to skip movement altogether or, alternatively, to push through with the same exercise routine despite the heat. However, one of the most beneficial things we can do is work with the season rather than against it.
This is where restorative yoga comes into its own.
Why heat affects the body
Our bodies work hard to maintain a stable internal temperature. During hot weather, blood flow to the skin increases and we sweat more to help cool ourselves down. While this process is incredibly effective, it also requires energy and can leave us feeling more tired, sluggish or irritable than usual.
Many people also notice:
- Reduced energy levels
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling overwhelmed or “frazzled”
- Increased muscle tension
- Reduced motivation for exercise
Adding intense exercise or vigorous yoga classes on top of this can sometimes leave us feeling even more depleted.
How restorative yoga can help
Restorative yoga is a gentle, supported practice designed to encourage deep rest and relaxation. Rather than building heat in the body, it creates an opportunity to slow down, breathe and allow the nervous system to settle.
Using props such as bolsters, cushions and blankets, poses are held comfortably for several minutes allowing the body to soften rather than strive.
During periods of hot weather, restorative yoga may help to:
- Support the nervous system
- Avoid additional heat build-up
- Encourage slower breathing
- Support better sleep
- Reduce feelings of fatigue and heaviness
Don’t have yoga props? That’s absolutely fine.
One of the lovely things about restorative yoga is that you don’t need lots of specialist equipment to enjoy the benefits.
Because you aren’t moving quickly and have plenty of time to get yourself comfortable and supported, everyday household items work wonderfully.
You can try:
- A pillow instead of a bolster
- Cushions instead of yoga blocks
- A belt or soft dressing gown tie instead of a yoga strap
The most important thing is not having the “right” props, but making sure you feel comfortably and firmly supported.
If using a belt or dressing gown tie, just ensure it is strong and secure rather than something that is worn or likely to snap.
An Ayurvedic perspective
From an Ayurvedic perspective, summer is associated with increased Pitta qualities such as heat, intensity and irritability. Cooling and grounding practices such as restorative yoga are often recommended during this time to help bring balance back to both body and mind.
An invitation to slow down
There can sometimes be pressure to keep pushing, keep training and keep doing more, even during periods when our bodies are asking for something different.
Restorative yoga offers permission to pause, rest and replenish.
Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do for our health is not to do more, but to do less — intentionally.
If you would like to experience restorative yoga for yourself, I have created a free 30-minute restorative yoga class for you to try at home. The session is gentle, beginner friendly and designed to help you unwind, cool down and support your nervous system during the warmer months.
Simply follow the link below to access the class and give yourself permission to rest this summer.
Yoga classes in Exeter, book here
My yoga classes run in themes for five weeks. This allows for people to put in place adaptions to suit their body and learn the different options of each yoga flow that are right for them. After the five weeks you will find each yoga flow published on my blog, with a free interactive copy. You will find the yoga class for this theme below.
Want to try one of my yoga classes?
I run yoga classes in Exeter- Exminster & Topsham, Devon
My Exeter based yoga classes are suitable for most levels of yogis. There are flowing sequences, often using sun salutations and vinyasa to warm the body and move through the yoga postures.
The yoga classes include an element of all styles of yoga, to bring a fresh angle to yoga and will encourage the use of yoga props in a fun and informal environment to help you explore your practice. My styles include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Flow Yoga, Yin Yoga & Restorative Yoga.
Variations to yoga postures will be given throughout the class allowing each person to adapt the class to their personal level of yoga practice. All equipment is provided.
Classes are available at Kiva & Zen Studios in Topsham, Exeter, Victory Hall in Exminster, Exeter.
Book a yoga class today and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of my Exeter yoga venues, while rejuvenating your mind and body through the practice of yoga.
Each session is designed to help you connect with your inner self, cultivate mindfulness, and improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Whether you're a beginner to yoga or an experienced practitioner, there's a class for you in my Exeter venues.
As a Yoga Teacher, I underwent my initial yoga training in India and am both qualified and registered with the Yoga Alliance. Since completing my initial yoga qualification, I have undertaken further yoga studies both here in Exeter and in locations around Europe.
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