No matter the season, the weather can play a big role in how our bodies and minds feel. When the days grow longer and hotter, summer yoga practices can be especially supportive. Instead of following the calendar alone, it’s helpful to tune into what you’re experiencing—whether that’s extreme heat, humidity, dryness, or even cooler, drearier stretches of weather. By adjusting your yoga practice to match your environment, you can find balance and stay connected to your well-being year-round.
In this Post
5 tips for doing yoga in summer
Gentle and Restorative Summer Yoga Practices
On hot days, your body and mind can easily become fatigued. Opting for gentler, more restful yoga practices can help you stay balanced and avoid overheating. Try incorporating yin yoga or restorative poses into your routine to help cool down and recharge.
Take a Less Goal Oriented Approach to Your Yoga Practice
Summer yoga is a great time to shift away from a competitive or achievement-oriented approach to yoga. Instead of pushing yourself to the limit, focus on mindfulness and the experience of each pose. This can help you stay present, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
Practice Cooling Pranayama and Meditation for Summer Yoga
Incorporate simple meditation and cooling pranayama (breath control) practices into your routine to help calm your mind and cool your body. Techniques like Sitali or Nadi Shodhana can be especially effective in bringing down your internal temperature and promoting relaxation.
Practice Yoga in Summer in a Cool, Comfortable Space
If possible, find a cooler, darker space for your yoga practice. This can help mitigate the effects of extreme heat and create a more comfortable environment. A basement or a room with blackout curtains can be ideal spots for a refreshing practice.
Yoga Poses to Stay Balanced in Hot Weather
Focus on gentle and restful poses such as backbends, side bends, twists, and wide-legged postures. These movements can help open up your body without exerting too much energy, providing a soothing and cooling effect. Incorporating these poses can help maintain balance and support your well-being during the hotter months.
Like I say all the time, there’s no one yoga practice that works for everyone. It’s all about observing how things land in your body-mind system and making adjustments to find what works for you.
Does that sound overwhelming? If so, please reach so that I can support you, as this is the process I guide my yoga therapy clients through.
I hope you enjoy all this season has to offer, and can remain balanced through this warmer and brighter time of year.
Try a Gentle Summer Yoga Breathwork Practice
In this breath work video, I’m including a breath practice I teach a lot in Gentle Yoga classes. It’s a very gradual and gentle approach to the breath pattern: “Inhale- Exhale- Pause”, which many people find calming. I hope you find it helpful!
Create a Summer Yoga Practice That Fits You
Summer yoga offers so many ways to stay balanced, from cooling breathwork to restorative poses and mindful movement. The key is paying attention to what your body needs and making small adjustments that support your well-being in the heat. If you’re not sure where to begin—or want guidance on creating a practice tailored to you—I’d love to help. Set up a consultation with me, and together we can find the yoga practices that will keep you feeling grounded and supported this season and beyond.
Great advice!
Thank you, Linda 🙂
I’m glad you found this helpful, Linda!
🥰