A HOW TO guest post from Nathan Joynt of Stream of Consciousness.
We all assume it’s more difficult to maintain weight loss expectations while traveling – for business or pleasure. For one thing, you usually don’t have access to the common tools you use at home such as your treadmill. And I know when I travel for pleasure, I often find myself eating at more restaurants and indulging in richer foods and beverages than I usually would consume at home.
Traveling for Business or Pleasure
So how do you find balance while you’re away from home? The key word here is balance. When you go on vacation for example, you are usually searching for rest and relaxation. And when you are well rested and relaxed, your mind and body are primed for weight loss success.
But what about traveling for business? Time is usually of the essence on business trips – and rest and relaxation tend to take a back seat to stress and obligations.
In either scenario, you can use the time you have to partake in one of the oldest practices on Earth – yoga. The mind-body awareness that is gained through the practice of yoga on a consistent basis has many deep mental and physical benefits. All of these benefits can actually help your travels assist you more with your weight loss goals while making the time more enjoyable, productive and memorable.
Decrease the Stress of Traveling
Mentally, yoga can help you find relief from stress and tension and promote a sense of well-being and harmony. Many people are searching for this peacefulness in particular when vacationing for R-and-R. In this case, adding in gentle, daily yoga routines that involve stretching, deep breathing and meditation can help you unwind even more dramatically.
While you do your routine, try focusing your mind on your weight loss. Deeply breathe in fresh air and then dispel the air as if with every breath you are releasing weight from your body. Realize that the purpose of your vacation is to help you revitalize your mind and body. You can actually mindfully help your immune system and your metabolism with this practice.
Traveling Requires Energy
Energetic yoga flows can awaken and sharpen your mind and its ability to remain focused and attentive. These are tremendous qualities to fortify when traveling for business purposes as well as with exploration and adventure travel where you want your senses to be keen. I recommend an energetic Vinyasa flow in the morning to get the blood going and stimulate a taller, more confident posture.
Physically, yoga can help detoxify your body – a major benefit while enjoying exotic foods, for example. Yoga can help you stay agile to prevent physical injury by developing and improving flexibility and functional strength. And unlike many forms of physical fitness, yoga doesn’t require the use of heavy, bulky and expensive equipment.
You can lose weight with your yoga practice virtually anywhere, at any time, for any length of time – and at most, all you need to do is pack a yoga mat! For all these reasons and more, it’s worth your time to at least learn essential yoga poses, breathing and stretching techniques.
Nathan Joynt is a contributor to blog.gaiam.com, helping people lose weight through fitness and conscious healthy living.
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