Yoga
San Francisco International Airport opened what it calls the world's first dedicated yoga room at an airport last week. REUTERS

Stressed out travelers at the San Francisco International Airport have a new option for relaxation: stop by the yoga room.

On Thursday, the airport officially opened what it claims is the world's first dedicated yoga room at an airport.

When we began to remodel Terminal 2, one of our goals was not just to bring the glamour back to air travel, but to also make the entire experience less stressful and more enjoyable, said Airport Director John L. Martin. With the opening of the Yoga Room, SFO has taken another giant leap forward in providing our travelers the opportunity and space to relax and decompress on their own terms.

Culling inspiration from contemporary color and light artists, the architects of Terminal 2, Gensler, designed the room in a calming blue color with a floating wall symbolizing a buoyant spirit and enlightened mind.

Light levels are set low and warm in juxtaposition to the bright concourse and large, felt-constructed rocks will be installed later this spring in a nod to Japanese Zen gardens.

The Yoga Room gives modern travelers a space that fosters and supports quiet and reflection, Gensler Design Director Melissa Mizell explained. Those aren't emotions that people typically encounter at the airport.

The room is located just past the security checkpoint and adjacent to the Recompose Area, affording travelers the opportunity to easily step into a space of contemplation and self-reflection. A pictogram of a person in the Lotus position guides yogis to the room, which is open whenever the Terminal 2 security checkpoint is open.

So far, there are no planned classes, but the space does offer mats and even chairs for elderly yogis.

Many have praised the initiative.

Relax passengers between flights? Help them find balance in the crazy world of travel? How wonderful!, said nurse consultant Anya Clowers of JetwithComfort.com.

For those that aren't interested in saluting the sun, SFO also offers the Berman reflection room before the security checkpoint that is a center for quiet reflection and meditation, sans-yoga.

Of course, there are plenty of bars for those who want to de-stress in other ways.