Yoga as an anti-stress, as a tool to improve body flexibility and work on breathing.
And, for expectant mothers, also to arrive with greater serenity at childbirth . Without forgetting the possibility of doing it together with your children , even newborns, in order to develop the mother/children relationship in a more profound way. Given the historical moment, then, the care of one's physical and mental well-being is certainly not of secondary importance, on the contrary. However, we are well aware that to date, in Italy, sports and meditation centers are still closed due to the restrictions related to the health emergency from COVID-19.
So?
Then, you can go in search of a serene place, away from the rhythms of everyday life, to carve out moments just for yourself. For those who already know the practice of yoga, all that remains is to identify the ideal location for their moment of peace and organize a stay in the area (always in compliance with the regulations indicated by the Prime Minister in force). On the contrary, beginners, or those who find themselves in extraordinary situations, such as a pregnancy or a recent birth, can inquire about specialized schools and book some meditation lessons. Many schools, in fact, in consideration of the limits imposed by the pandemic, have organized themselves for yoga sessions (often individual) outdoors. Finding the perfect fit for each should therefore not be too difficult.
Some ideal places to practice outdoor yoga in Italy
Piedmont : where the Po is born, to savor the meaning of life. At the roots of Monviso there are many meadows from which to admire the mountain landscape.
Sardinia : nothing more relaxing than the infinite view of the sea. Sandy beaches such as that of Torre dei Corsari, on the west coast, seem made for sun salutations, especially in non-high season periods.
Basilicata : those who have already had the opportunity to visit this region know that there is no shortage of enchanted places where you can seek inner peace. Among the many, the Calanchi di Montalbano Reserve. Tuscany : the wonder of getting lost in the hills of San Gimignano, where every corner is a naturalistic painting. And, at the end of the session, a good glass of wine.
Lombardy : the choice is between Lake Garda, Maggiore or Como. In these areas, nature gives its best thanks to the mild climate and the many nature trails, where there is no shortage of ideal spaces for meditation.
Some ideal places to practice outdoor yoga in Italy 
Piedmont : where the Po is born, to savor the meaning of life. At the roots of Monviso there are many meadows from which to admire the mountain landscape.
Sardinia : nothing more relaxing than the infinite view of the sea. Sandy beaches such as that of Torre dei Corsari, on the west coast, seem made for sun salutations, especially in non-high season periods.
Basilicata : those who have already had the opportunity to visit this region know that there is no shortage of enchanted places where you can seek inner peace. Among the many, the Calanchi di Montalbano Reserve. Tuscany : the wonder of getting lost in the hills of San Gimignano, where every corner is a naturalistic painting. And, at the end of the session, a good glass of wine.
Lombardy : the choice is between Lake Garda, Maggiore or Como. In these areas, nature gives its best thanks to the mild climate and the many nature trails, where there is no shortage of ideal spaces for meditation.
The alternative: Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing (known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japan) is the practice of immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest for relaxation and positive effects on health and well-being. A therapy considered so beneficial that, in 1982, it became part of the national health system of the Land of the Rising Sun. For some time it has also taken hold in Italy: walking gently in the forest, inhaling the air, strengthening an emotional connection with the landscape are some of the indications that expert guides in Forest Bathing give to their followers.- In Trentino, in Fai della Paganella, there is a unique park in Europe, the Parco del Respiro, where it is possible to practice Forest Bathing in a thick beech forest.
- But also in the Oasi Zegna, in Piedmont, circular itineraries are presented for this purpose.
- In Lombardy, without going too far from the capital, the ideal site is the Chignolo Wood in the Lambro Valley Park, in the province of Monza and Brianza. There are no contraindications to Forest Bathing for pregnant women: it is sufficient to choose a path suitable for your physical shape.
To dream
At the end of 2020, a guide to the best places in the world to practice yoga was published on the Lonely Planet website (www.lonelyplanet.it). While waiting for the dream of many to turn into reality, here is what the well-known publishing house suggests: India: it is the country of yoga par excellence. In particular, Rishikesh, a city at the foot of the Himalayas and on the banks of the sacred Ganges, has also become famous because, in the 1960s, it was chosen by the Beatles for a period of meditation. Some of the most famous yoga centers in the nation are located here. Spain: Ibiza is not just nightlife. In fact, there are still uncontaminated corners where renowned yoga schools organize stays dedicated to meditation. Teaching in front of a sunset over the Mediterranean is like no other. Peru: the Río Urubamba valley is not only famous because it houses some of the most important archaeological sites in the world (see Machu Picchu), but also because it is defined as 'sacred', i.e. recognized as a spiritual place. Becoming a yoga destination has therefore been a natural process. Mozambique: Tofo is the town that attracts yogis from all over the world. Between a surf session and a scuba dive, the yoga session overlooking the coral reef is priceless.
