There are so many ways to help brighten those winter days and Yoga is most certainly one
During the Spring and Summer months I’m on my mat everyday enjoying practising outside in my garden on the early evening in the sunshine and warmth, it just makes me feel alive.
Thats why i always say its so important to keep moving and active. It certainly is a challenge for me once Autumn/Winter arrives, the dark nights and cold days, struggling to get out of bed as feeling more tired and lethargic, finding events and going out harder and finding unexpected obstacles difficult to overcome.
Yoga however is my life saver and I try to do yoga even more during the winter months (even if it is 20mins a day), I need it more than ever for my body and mind and it helps me to mentally focus and stay positive.
If you suffer from SAD / Anxiety / Depression yoga can really make a difference and has amazing effects that can work almost instantly.
Here is some tips that help me through Winter months and maybe could help you:
Yoga and loads of it... – helps mend the mind, body and soul
Yoga teaches me to work on my ‘Monkey Mind’ in particular about how I handle negative feelings that might overwhelm me. It helps me to understands how I feel and except it's ok that I may need be feeling great one day to the next. With this mindset I can adapt my yoga practice to help my mind. An example of this is if I’m feel tired and bit down – I will do a power yoga flow which not only gives me an amazing workout but boost my energy levels and makes me feel great after. Yoga really does “connect my mind and body” it gets to two working together and helps me control my feelings.
Really important at the start of your practice that you dedicate your practice to someone or stay grateful for all the good things around you including friends and family this helps you stay grounded and present.
Meditation – Helps reconnect you / brings focus
This is a massive for me I sometimes bring both yoga and meditation together to help me realise energy while slowing things down my breath and mind.
I may implement a 10min Mediation all around what you have been grateful for that day which will help any negative thoughts, emotions, tiredness, anxiety that Winter can bring you.
Buy a gorgeous Salt lamp (treat yourself)
Salt lamps have a massive array of health and environmental benefits which make them fantastic for the home and bring positivity. They also give out a beautiful glow and a comforting feel to your room(s). I love mine and have one in every room especially next to my bed where the benefits really show.
Himalayan Salt Lamps are made from salt crystals you can read more here about the benefits https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/himalayan-salt-lamp-benefits
So go buy yourself one... or ask for one as a Christmas gift, you can buy them from Amazon and they come in a range of different sizes and prices
Let the Sunlight in – Go outside as much as you can
I will always make the effort to go for walks during the daylight – it's so much harder when you get up for work in the dark and have to go home in dark. So even going out for a 20min walk at work during your lunch break can really help you. My husband gets me out every Sunday to go walking and to be outside and I must admit it helps me and boosts my mood ready for the working week and that Monday feeling.
Eat healthy bright foods
Eating healthy during the winter can have a massive effect on your well-being and health. It's important to plenty foods rich in vitamin C including root vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, oatmeal, soups, fish, salads like spinach.
I always make a juice in the morning to give me that energy boost plus is a lovely bright orange colour.
Try this recipe:
1 Large Orange
5 Carrots
Ginger (more you add the stronger it will taste this is optional)
2 apples (any apples)
Squeeze of Lemon juice to finish off
This is great to have on an empty stomach when you get up in the morning, I love the taste and the kick of the Ginger wakes your body up. Perfect for fighting those coughs and colds away.
Hope some of these tips can help you if you are struggling at the moment and know you are not on your own, but there are loads of different ideas that can really help you and Yoga is most certainly one.
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