The British Wheel of Yoga Celebrates the Summer Solstice with Festivals Across Britain

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is marking the Summer Solstice with an online yoga festival on Friday 19 June, part of a series of BWY yoga festivals taking place across Britain throughout 2026.

'Grounded in the Glow' is an online day retreat bringing together five experienced tutors for a rich blend of yoga, Ayurveda and mindfulness practices, helping practitioners reconnect with their inner light and the rhythm of the season. The programme draws on a wide range of approaches and traditions.

Nahdeannah Francis-Pennant (BWY Teacher) leads a somatic movement and visualisation practice inspired by the Summer Solstice and the solar plexus chakra, exploring themes of warmth and embodied presence through gentle, flowing movement. 

Emma Turnbull (BWY partner) weaves yoga and Ayurveda into simple daily rituals, mindful movement and breathwork, helping practitioners move into summer with steadiness and ease. Vicky Arundel (BWY Tutor) combines myofascial release, acupressure and nervous system regulation to address the ‘tired but wired’ feeling that can intensify in our high-summer culture.

Completing the line-up, Richard Kravetz (BWY Special Yoga Tutor) leads a chair and wall-supported sensory practice designed with people with visual impairment in mind, yet enriching for all – an invitation to experience the solstice through touch, sound, breath and inner awareness. Emma Tian Williamson (Qigong practitioner and mindfulness teacher) integrates mindfulness, Qigong and yoga to cultivate calm, spacious presence and a deeper sense of inner glow.

Beyond the online retreat, BWY communities from Cambridge to the Welsh Hills and County Durham to the South Coast are hosting local festivals where practitioners can meet yoga teachers on their doorstep, discover new styles and enjoy the unique energy of practising together in person.

BWY Chair, Diana O’Reilly told That's Health: “At the BWY, we believe that yoga is for everyone, whatever your background, ability or experience. These festivals, both online and across our local communities, are a wonderful expression of that belief in action. 

"They bring people together, deepen connection and remind us that when we practise as one community, something truly special happens. The Summer Solstice feels like the perfect moment to celebrate how far we have come and to open our doors wider.”

For full details on all local and national celebrations, including booking links, visit the BWY website https://www.bwy.org.uk

Finding Serenity: A Guide to Managing Stress Through Relaxation Techniques

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress has become an unavoidable companion for too many of us. 

From demanding work schedules to personal responsibilities, it's easy to feel weighed down and overwhelmed by the constant pressure. 

However, amidst the chaos, there exists a sanctuary of calmness within reach: relaxation techniques. 

These methods offer a pathway to managing stress, promoting mental well-being, and nurturing a sense of inner peace. In this blog post, we explore some effective relaxation techniques that can help you navigate the stormy seas of stress.

Deep Breathing Exercises: The cornerstone of many relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises are simple yet powerful. By focusing on your breath, you can quiet the mind and induce a state of relaxation. One effective method is diaphragmatic breathing, where you inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling the tension release with each breath.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. Starting from your toes and working your way up to your head, tense each muscle group for a few seconds before releasing the tension. This helps to alleviate physical tension and promote overall relaxation.

Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. By focusing on your breath, bodily sensations, or the environment around you, you can cultivate a sense of awareness and detachment from stressful thoughts and emotions. Regular practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly.

Yoga and Stretching: Combining physical movement with breath awareness, yoga offers a holistic approach to relaxation. Gentle yoga poses and stretching exercises can help release tension stored in the body, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Even a short yoga session can leave you feeling rejuvenated and centered.

Guided Imagery and Visualisation: Guided imagery involves mentally visualising peaceful and calming scenes or scenarios. By immersing yourself in a vivid imaginary experience, you can create a sense of relaxation and escape from stressors. Whether it's picturing yourself on a tranquil beach or in a serene forest, guided imagery can transport you to a place of tranquility.

Aromatherapy: Certain scents, such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus, have been shown to have calming and stress-relieving effects. Incorporating aromatherapy into your relaxation routine through essential oils, candles, or diffusers can help create a soothing environment conducive to relaxation.

Progressive Relaxation Apps and Resources: In today's digital age, there are numerous apps and online resources dedicated to relaxation and stress management. From guided meditation apps to relaxation playlists and nature sounds, these tools provide convenient access to relaxation techniques anytime, anywhere.

Incorporating these relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help you manage stress more effectively and promote your overall well-being. 

Remember that relaxation is a skill that requires practice and patience, so be gentle with yourself as you explore what works best for you. By prioritising self-care and carving out moments of relaxation in your busy schedule, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm and resilience in the face of life's challenges. And they'll help make you calmer person more able to cope with whatever challenges you'll be facing in your life.