Remembering to pack the yoga mat...

If you're about to set off on holiday, don't forget to pack your yoga mat.

You may find you need it for a myriad of reasons: recovering from jeg lag (take Viparita Karani - legs up the wall pose, or a long Down Dog); mustering up energy after over-indulgence the night before; to feel centred after a demanding day with the kids. 

Being immersed in new surroundings can itself be motivating to begin a new routine.

If you commit to practising for 15/20 minutes before breakfast, or/and before dinner, you can go one step further by making an intention (or sankalpa) to begin a daily yoga practice once you're back home.

For further holiday survival advice, read on!:

• For some inspiration for stress-free travel, check out Caroline Sylger-Jones' article here.

• And it's good to remember that a calm piece of mind is yours to be had for the taking, wherever you are; for some simple meditation techniques from Stillpoint meditation expert Ralph Marzen, click here.

The Yoga Abode team will be taking its own August break next week. We look forward to engaging with you after that.

Wherever you are, and whatever you'll be up to, do enjoy these precious August days, and long, still-balmy evenings.

Lucia Cockcroft, editor