Thinking about taking a yoga holiday ? The benefits it will have on you mentally and physically are endless. You will be pampered and enjoy all of the perks of paradise with the relaxation of yoga with the tranquil ocean atmosphere as the backdrop.

You will spend hours just practicing yoga and bringing balance and alignment to your mind, body, and spirit. This is so beneficial and stress and tension will melt away as you breathe deeply and meditate. When you do finally return home, you will be a new person, ready to take on anything. Your family will be so grateful that you took out time for yourself so that you could better care for them. A yoga holiday is a yearly tradition for me to take a time out and rebuild my strength both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

You will find that upon returning from your yoga holiday, you will have a better self image and increased confidence. This is due to the way yoga brings clarity and self appreciation. Plus, your body will begin to transform as this ancient form of exercise produces increased muscle tone and leanness. Making time to completely focus on yourself is one of the healthiest things you can do.

You will have the opportunity to participate in other non-yoga activities as well on your yoga holiday. And since all activities are completely optional (even yoga), you are in complete control of your schedule. There is no noise or distractions, just complete and utter peacefulness. This is the most luxurious way to spend your vacation. It is absolute bliss.

A perfect location for a yoga holiday is Sardinia Yoga, a unique beachfront yoga experience, set in the stunning north east coast of Sardinia. Your day at Sardinia Yoga starts with two hours of energising ashtanga-style yoga on their shaded, beachfront yoga deck. This will give you a clear mind and invigorated spirit to make the most of the day – to do as much or as little as you wish. The fabulous beaches are just moments away, but you can curl up in a hammock in the shade, stretch out on the sun loungers within Sardinia Yoga or retreat to your private veranda for a bit of me time.

Sardinia Yoga is all about choices on your doorstep. Massage and holistic therapies are available in the privacy of your room. A ten minute walk takes you to the many shops, restaurants and nightlife of the authentic Italian town of San Teodoro which also offers an amazing range of activities from horse riding to scuba diving.

Your breath is your link to improved health, emotional stability and well-being. Learning how to breathe correctly is vital to help keep you balanced and calm. Ancient yoga philosophy says we are all born with a set number of breaths – therefore, it makes sense to use the breath we have efficiently.

Practice the following three basic yoga breathing exercises anytime during your day, when you feel stressed, tired or exhausted. Better still, why not try waking up a few minutes earlier, picking a breathing practice and trying it out before you engage with your day. That way, you start the day on a much clearer and more focused way.

As with all yoga breathing exercises, be gentle, respect and listen to your body. If you feel uncomfortable, stop the exercise and return to normal breathing.

1. Counted Breath

Sit comfortably, with a nice straight spine and your feet firmly resting on the floor, close your eyes and take a long steady breath in through your nose and slowly breathe out through your nose. Do this for 3 more times as it helps to calm and clear your mind. Next breathe in slowly for a count of three and slowly breathe out for a count of six. Repeat this sequence of breathing in for 3 and out for 6 for 3 – 7 rounds. Slowly open your eyes and be aware of how calm and relaxed you feel.

2. Rainbow Breathing

Sit in a comfortable position, with your spine straight and body relaxed. Close your eyes and visualise a rainbow. See all seven colours of the rainbow. Choose any colour or combination of colours from your rainbow. Imagine slowly breathing in this colour/s through your nose and slowly breathing it out. Allow each breath to gradually deepen and travel throughout your body. Feel the tension in your body leave you as breathe your colour in and around and through your body. Continue with this practice until you feel ready to get up and reconnect with your day.

3. Deep Yogic Breathing Either sit comfortably, arms relaxed, nice straight spine and feet resting firmly on the floor or lie down on your bed. Place your right palm on your lower abdomen and your left palm on your upper chest, just below your collar bones. Breathe slowly in through your nose and as you do so, consciously focus on sending your breath from your right hand up to your left hand, be aware of the hands raising on the in-breath and slowly lowering on the out breathe. Repeat this deep yogic breathing for 3 – 7 more times, each time, allowing the breath to be fuller and deeper.