Eve Grzybowski

It's nearly autumn in Australia. Here on the East Coast we've experienced the hottest summer in many a year. Fortunately, the weather has become milder recently, but still exceedingly humid.

With a hint of cool weather in the air, Australians are beginning to dream about setting off in their vans for northern coasts, inland lakes and The Outback. 

This Saturday Daniel and I will do just that. We will head off for an 11-week sojourn, towing our A-Van-home-on-wheels. The centrepiece of this trip will be a singing workshop called The Big Sing in the Desert. Non-indigenous singers will be joining with central desert women choristers for a 4-day workshop in the East McDonnell Ranges.

I will of course pack my yoga mat.

I know from experience that my body will take a pounding driving for hours over many days. So, I will probably also take along two foam blocks and a couple of yoga blankets.

When I'm travelling, well-being needs to be made a priority as there are on-the-road stresses. There's the lack of control over normal dietary needs. You eat various foods that you are not habituated to and sometimes finish up eating at strange mealtimes.

With any luck, I might find sanctuary in a yoga class somewhere between Dubbo and Quorn. Or, between the Oonadatta Track and Mt. Isa. Small town classes often present unusual interpretations from the yoga I'm used to. But usually a yoga centre's ambiance is peaceful and no doubt I'll feel rehabilitated just by coming home to my body.

Speaking of homecomings, one of the YogaAnywhere cards that we designed for special situations is  for recovery from travel. If you are anticipating holiday or business travel, do have a look at these cards. 

Here's a couple of hints from the travel sequence:

A Simple Breathing Exercise – Upon arriving at your stopping place find a quiet spot to lie down with your legs up the wall and stay for five or ten minutes. To help you feel more grounded, observe your breath, while breathing completely naturally.

Supported Poses – If you find that your energy goes up and down throughout the day on which you arrive, do Supta Baddha Konasana or Setu Bandhasana for 5-10 minutes. 

Here are some additional common sense suggestions for post travel recovery:

You can't do better than walking on the beach or in the bush. If you are travelling through different time zones, sunshine in limited exposure will help reset your biorhythms. Wholesome meals are important, too. Eating meals at regular times is nurturing–if possible ones that you've cooked yourself.

Best of all for your wellbeing is home yoga practice, as much as you want, any time. When space and time are limited, keep it simple. Make the focus watching your breath and practising relaxation.

I hope you'll stay tuned to FB so you'll be able to come along for the ride.