The Science & Soul of Beach Yoga
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll already know I’m a big fan of the ocean. Like for many others, it’s my happy place, my space to reset. So when I qualified as a yoga teacher, it felt like a dream to be able to step out of the door, right onto a beach and share the practice I love.
There’s just something about being by the water that so many of us find calming.
Here are just a few reasons, backed by both personal experience and a little science - why practicing yoga on the beach is so special:
A Deeper Connection to Nature
Being outdoors, especially by the sea, can do wonders for your mental health. Nature therapy (also called ecotherapy or green therapy) is built on the idea that we’re deeply connected to the natural world, and research backs this up. Just spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, ease muscle tension, and improve mood. When you practice yoga outside, you’re not just moving your body, you’re syncing it with the rhythms of the earth.
Space, Stillness, and Simplicity
When the timing’s right, the beach offers a peaceful, wide-open space free from distractions. No studio walls, no background noise, just a stripped-back, natural environment that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and tune in. Whether you’re flowing through a sequence or sitting in stillness, it feels beautifully spacious.
Grounding: Let Your Feet Be Freeeee
Practicing barefoot on the sand is more than just a lovely feeling, it’s a form of grounding (or earthing), a therapeutic technique where direct contact with the earth helps rebalance the body. The idea is that the earth’s negative ions can neutralise excess positive ions in our systems, which may help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and boost overall wellbeing. Plus, moving on sand gently challenges the muscles in a way that strengthens and supports the joints.
The Soundtrack of the Ocean
The soothing sound of waves isn’t just nice to listen to, it actually helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the one responsible for rest, digestion, and repair). Combined with slow, mindful breathing, it can melt away built-up tension and anxiety, guiding you into a deep sense of calm.
A Sense of Freedom
There’s a feeling I get when practicing by the ocean that’s hard to put into words.With no mirrors, no expectations, and no pressure, it becomes a deeply personal, liberating experience. Just you, your breath.
Letting It All Go
Had a rough day? Practicing near the ocean invites you to visualise the waves carrying away whatever you’re holding onto. The wind, the water, the movement, it’s like nature’s version of a reset button.
No Equipment
You don’t need a mat, fancy leggings, or a curated playlist. Just show up just as you are, with an open heart and a willingness to move and breathe.
Every Practice Feels Different
Even if you return to the same beach, it’s never quite the same, the sky, the tide, the texture of the sand are always shifting. It’s a reminder that no two days, or yoga practices are ever identical. That’s part of the magic.
You don’t need to commit to a full class. Start small. Next time you’re by the sea, sit on the sand, close your eyes, and try this calming breath technique:
Inhale for 6 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6, hold for 4.
Repeat a few times and notice how you feel.
I used to run lots of beach yoga in Wales but I haven’t in Devon just yet. But you’ll still find me on the sand from time to time, quietly flowing in my own little world.