The summer solstice only comes around once a year, but it’s a day that holds something a bit special. You wake up, and the sun’s already up. It stays bright well into the evening. You get more light than any other day of the year. In the UK, that means up to 17 hours of daylight—give or take, depending on where you live.
It’s a lovely time to do something that brings a bit of peace, a bit of calm, and maybe even a little stretch. That’s where summer solstice yoga comes in. No pressure, no fancy moves, no perfect form. Just some quiet space, a little movement, and a chance to breathe.
You don’t need to be a yoga person. You don’t need leggings or a mat or to remember any Sanskrit names. You just need a small moment to yourself.
What Is the Summer Solstice All About?
This is the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. It’s the official start of summer. In older times, people built stone circles, lit fires, and held festivals to celebrate the sun’s return. These days, it’s more common to mark the day with something quieter—like a bit of movement and stillness on your own terms.
Even places like Stonehenge still gather a crowd at sunrise. You don’t have to go that far, of course. You can mark the moment from your garden, your bedroom floor, or your local park.
Why Try Yoga on the Solstice?
There’s something about a long, sunny day that makes it easier to slow down. You might feel a bit more open, more present. Yoga pairs really well with that feeling.
And no, this doesn’t mean a full 60-minute flow. It might be ten minutes of stretching while the kettle’s boiling. It could be a couple of deep breaths at the end of the day, standing barefoot on the grass.
Doing yoga on this day is about using the light to feel a little more grounded. Maybe it helps you reset after a hectic week. Maybe it’s just something that feels good in the moment.
Heard of 108 Sun Salutations? Here’s What That Means
Some people do 108 sun salutations on the solstice. That number—108—has meaning in old traditions and is linked to everything from the distance to the sun to the number of beads on meditation malas.
Now, if the idea of doing 108 sun salutations sounds mad, that’s fair. You don’t have to do that many. Not even close. You could do one or two. Or just the bits that feel good.
Here’s what a basic sun salute looks like:
- Stand tall and reach your arms up.
- Fold forward and let your hands drop.
- Step back into a plank or just step one leg back.
- Lower your chest and then gently lift it into a small backbend.
- Push back into a stretch (downward dog if you know it).
- Step forward and stand up again.
That’s one. If it feels nice, do another. Or do your own version. There’s no test. No one’s watching.
Where Should You Do It?
Anywhere. Really. That’s part of what makes it special.
You could do it:
- On your balcony at sunrise
- In your garden with the grass under your feet
- In the park under a tree
- In your bedroom with the curtains open and the light coming in
There’s no perfect place. Just somewhere you feel safe and comfortable. If you’ve got little ones running around, let them join in. They might turn the whole thing into something completely different, and that’s okay too.
A Simple Solstice Yoga Flow You Can Try
If you want something to follow but keep it light, here’s a short and easy sequence. You don’t even need a mat.
- Mountain Pose – Stand still. Feet flat. Shoulders relaxed. Breathe in and out slowly.
- Reach Up – Stretch your arms up high. Imagine grabbing a bit of sunshine.
- Forward Fold – Bend forward. Let your head hang.
- Plank (or Knees Down) – Step back and hold steady.
- Cobra – Lower your chest and gently lift it up. Don’t strain.
- Downward Dog – Push back and stretch. Bend your knees if needed.
- Step Forward & Rise – Step back up and stand tall again.
Do it once. Or twice. Or don’t finish it at all. You’re not trying to complete something—you’re just moving.
Add a Little Something Extra If You Want
Want to make it a bit more special? Here are some small ideas that don’t take much effort:
- Play soft music in the background
- Light a candle
- Lay a blanket down instead of a mat
- Have a glass of water or tea nearby
- Take a minute to write one sentence about how you feel
It’s not about creating a routine that has to look or feel a certain way. It’s about making the moment yours.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Wear whatever’s comfortable – Pyjamas, joggers, shorts… it all works.
- Keep it simple – You don’t need a plan. Start with one pose.
- Drink some water – Especially if it’s warm out.
- Take breaks – Sit or lie down when you need to.
- Let go of the “shoulds” – This isn’t about getting it right. It’s about being kind to yourself.
What If You’re Brand New to Yoga?
Then this is a brilliant way to start. You don’t need to know the names of the poses. You don’t need to be bendy. You don’t need any equipment.
Just breathe in, stretch something that feels tight, breathe out, and carry on. That counts. That’s yoga.
And who knows—you might end up adding five minutes of yoga to more of your days.
Make It a Little Tradition
Some people do this every year. It doesn’t have to be anything big. You could light the same candle each time. You could always practise at the same spot. You could even keep a notebook with one short line for each year.
Something like:
- “Warm breeze. Felt calm.”
- “First time trying this. Loved it.”
- “Shoulders finally relaxed.”
You’ll have a little record of each solstice—a string of small memories tied to one peaceful day each summer.
Final Words
Summer solstice yoga isn’t about being good at yoga. It’s not about completing a challenge or posting a photo of a perfect pose.
It’s about using the longest day of the year to pause. Stretch. Breathe. And let a bit of light in—both outside and inside.
So if the weather’s nice, or even if it’s a bit cloudy but still warm, grab a quiet spot. Reach your arms up to the sky. Let your breath slow down. And enjoy a moment that’s yours.
Even if all you do is stand outside for a few minutes and take a deep breath—that’s enough.
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