Kiss that skunky gym mat goodbye! Toss this nice smelling DIY yoga mat cleaner into your gym bag or yoga bag and you’ll never have to smell a stinky yoga mat again… unless it’s REALLY bad. A clean mat will not only last longer, but it will also keep you from getting sick or getting a fungal, bacterial or viral skin infection. I like the DIY version because I can play with the scents and have one for my morning practice and one for my evening practice… think citrus (energizing) vs. lavender (calming). Creating your own yoga mat cleaner from natural ingredients makes it that much easier to maintain a sattvic (pure) lifestyle, beginning to incorporate the principles of sattva into our daily routines (diet, behavior, products we use).

Here is my DIY yoga mat cleaner recipe. Happy cleaning!

Ingredients for DIY yoga mat cleaner:

• Spray bottle
• Tea tree essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Witch Hazel or distilled white vinegar
• Water

Instructions for DIY yoga mat cleaner:

1. This recipe will be in proportions, since your spray bottle will likely be a different size than the ones that I use.
2. Fill your spray bottle about 3/4 way with water. Remaining 1/4 with witch hazel or distilled white vinegar.
3. Add 15 or so drops of tea tree essential oil and 10 or so of your second oil. Feel free to adjust the amounts and remember a little goes along way, so if you’re working with a smaller spray bottle start with fewer drops.
4. Seal it, shake it up, and toss it in your mat bag with an old wash cloth and you’re good to go.

Why tea tree essential oil? Tea tree oil (melaleuca) is an intense anti-fungal and antimicrobial.

Why lavender essential oil? Lavender is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial. Lavender is also calming and great for those with sensitive skin.

Don’t like lavender? Try lemongrass, clove bud, eucalyptus, lemon, myrhh, geranium, peppermint/spearmint or patchouli.

If you’d rather just buy a yoga mat cleaner here are a couple natural ones that I recommend:

Nama-Sudz Organic Mat Spray

Manduka Mat Wash

The post DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Essential Oil(s)

I bring essential oils with me every time that I travel… seriously! Here are some of my faves:

• Lavender- calming and relaxing, antiseptic properties
• Lemongrass- repels bugs & helps relieve gas
• Grapefruit or Bergamot- uplifting and energizing
• Tea Tree- antibacterial & antifungal
• Clary Sage- balancing & helps relieve gas
• Peppermint- Helps an upset stomach
• Favorite pre-blended oils like Doterra OnGuard (keep those nasty germs away!)

I’m not a Doterra rep, but they make awesome therapeutic grade essential oils. Contact Toni at BarefootBlissYoga.com if you’d like to place an order.

Traveling Yoga Mat

I use a Manduka Travel Mat. It has been a wonderful investment. Since I’m always on the go I love that it packs down small. It’s perfect for a home practice or to provide a barrier between me and a yoga studio rental mat.

Body Spray/ Mat Spray

Long travel days sometimes mean not having time to freshen up. I like to create a custom blend of essential oils in water in a little bottle. I can spritz it on my face, my underarms, my yoga mat for a quick freshen up. It’s not perfect, but it always makes me feel a bit more human. If you’d prefer to purchase a pre-made spray I’ve enjoyed this one by Buddha Nose.

Neem Face Mask

I live in the high desert of Oregon where it is dry all year round, but my traveling often brings me to hot humid destinations and my skin hates the transition going back and forth between ultra dry and humid. If I’m leading a retreat I need simple and effective skincare. I have no time for frivolous things. I bring a little mini pot of my Theraneem neem face mask with me always!

Calendula Face Cream or Balm

Calendula is wonderful for combatting inflammation. When I was dealing with perioral dermatitis I used it religiously day and night. Calendula is nice and gentle for sensitive skin (which I have) and can be used on your face and even on sunburns if you’re in a bind and forgot aloe. I’m currently using a homemade calendula balm similar to this product by MJ’s Herbals. When I’m at home I use Weleda’s Baby Calendula Face Cream. It’s a bit richer and perfect for the super dry air here.

Spotify

Playlists, radio, all your favorites and tons of music to discover and it works outside of the U.S. too. And you can follow your favorite teachers and their playlists. Music for the beach, for lounging by the pool, for relaxing, and for your yoga practice all in one. I’ve been using Spotify for two years now…. and I haven’t gone back to Pandora (at least not regularly). Follow me on Spotify.

Smartphone stocked up with Podcasts

Over the past year or so I have really gotten into Podcasts, particularly for long haul flights and long distance drives. I like that they’re more than just entertainment, they’re educational too. Interested in checking out a new podcast? Take a peek around our blog in the next couple of days. I will be posting my faves shortly.

Yogis what would you add to this list? I’d love to hear it!

Love and Light,

Autumn

The post 7 Essentials for the Traveling Yogi appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.