AROUND TOWN: Island Girl Blog with Everything YOGA

AROUND TOWN | CHRISTINE VAN TUYL

There’s no time like the present to work a little Zen into your life. With the promise and chaos of a post-COVID existence and a return to normalcy in some aspects of living, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed as schedules resume and days get busier. Seeking a new level of calm can help decrease stress, improve focus and enhance sleep and restfulness. Not to mention the physical benefits of working a yoga practice into your day…a fitter physique, more flexibility and increased stamina. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a blissful beginner, the path to serenity is only a cleansing breath away.

Jennifer Butler is a licensed Certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga Teacher, and Certified Health Coach who helps clients live a healthy, happy, balanced lifestyle they enjoy and love.

Your day is sure to be swell if you’re drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re practicing yoga. Grab your own S’well Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle from Avenu here in town, and maybe some leggings while you’re at it. The S’well stainless steel water bottle features triplelayered, vacuum-insulated construction, designed to keep beverages cold for up to 36 hours. I’ll Namaste to that! Avenu. | 1114 Orange | (619) 996-3303

FUEL UP WITH GOODNESS

All that mindfulness and deep stretching takes energy, so it’s wise to nourish your body with healthy snacks before you hit the mat. Clayton’s Coffee Shop serves up some healthy, plant-based shakes, like the Lotus, made with acai, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chia seeds, coconut oil and apple juice. Also worth a slurp: the Root with chocolate whey protein powder, banana, maca powder, ground flax with almond milk; and the Palm with mango, pineapple, banana, spinach, spirulina, coconut oil and apple juice.

Claytons Coffee Shop | 979 Orange Avenue | (619) 435-5425

GET SQUEAKY CLEAN

It’s more important now, more than ever, to keep your gear and yoga mat clean and sanitized. The Mind Over Lather 100% Natural Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray works well with all mats, and is made with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree. Simply spray your mat after each session, wipe it down and you’re all set. Amazon, $10.

YOGA BY THE SEA

If you crave a side of sea breeze with your practice, consider attending an outdoor class led by local Jennifer Butler from Yoga Fits Me. She holds hour-long classes at the Coronado Ferry Landing on the Bay, as well as Coronado Cays Park. You’ll enjoy a tranquil and grounding class to get your day started with peace and harmony in mind, body and spirit. No experience is needed and all levels are welcome. Yogis are asked to bring their own mat, towel, water and sunscreen, and to honor social distancing while in class. Learn more and view the full schedule at YogaFitsMe.com.

Jennifer Butler | Yoga Fits Me | YogaFitsMe.com

Getting comfortable and cozy in your yoga gear is no excuse for frumpy! Fortunately, Sweet Soles is bursting with enough stylish yoga wear to satisfy the most persnickety of purchasers. With top yoga brands like Alo, Beyond Yoga, Gottex, Free People and more, you’ll find everything you need to strike a pose. And good news for yoga dudes…you’ll find men’s yoga wear as well!

Sweet Soles | 957 Orange Avenue | (619) 675-0505

GET INSPIRED

Need some yoga inspo? Check out these Yoga Deck and Mindfulness Cards from Adorn. Now beginners and experts alike can make rejuvenating meditations a daily part of life. You’ll find an illustrated deck of fifty yoga poses and easy-to-use instructions, helping with stress relief, and promoting strength, energy and relaxation… anytime, anywhere. The Mindfulness Cards make it easy to bring awareness, calm and joy to everyday life with inspiring phrases on the front, and a short mindfulness exercise on the back. Draw one card a day to form an intention, and watch your life transform.

Adorn | 1011 Orange Avenue | (619) 435-5432

SET YOUR INTENTIONS

This joyful little journal is perfect for jotting down your ideas, thoughts and intentions for the New Year. Whether on-the-go or nestled in your favorite chair, this stylish, cover-lined journal has rounded corners and an exposed binding that allows it to open completely flat. Grab yours from Seaside Papery and start journaling today!

Seaside Papery | 1162 Orange Avenue | (619) 435-5565