In the traditional practice of yoga, changing seasons produce different elements that influence the body, internally as well as externally. The low temperatures and reduced humidity of winter can lead to energy imbalances that affect your health and well-being. Adjustments need to be made to keep your circulatory and digestive systems functioning optimally. Here are five tips to keep in mind for wintertime yoga.
Keep up a healthy lifestyle throughout the winter to maintain optimal health and get the most from your yoga practice. That means plenty of physical activity and consistently getting a good night’s rest. All the precautions should be taken to stay healthy, including a diet of fresh foods. Eat balanced meals, and even though it’s cold out, nibble on natural fruits, seeds, nuts, and raw vegetables as your snacks,
It may be tempting to stay in bed or curl up in a blanket in front of the TV when it’s cold outside, but your yoga practice is something you should keep up with. If you start skipping sessions that were your steady routine before, you’re developing bad habits that may impact your sense of self-discipline in the future, as well as the quality of results you get from it. Establish a warm-up routine to better prepare your body in the cold.
Regular exercise and daily yoga will help you to fight the cold and feel warmer. If you’re used to going outside for yoga, just dress warmly and take along a mat or blanket to lay on the freezing ground. Or just get used to doing it indoors. Always have your HVAC checked out by a company before the cold weather kicks in. Call a qualified HVAC company for any heating issues so you can always feel comfortable during your routine.
Winter weather is the cold and flu season. An upper respiratory infection can mean plugged-up sinuses, sore throat, and fever that make yoga more difficult. Be sure to observe standard cold-season practices, such as washing your hands frequently, drinking plenty of liquids, especially citrus juice, and take some Vitamin C supplements to be on the safe side.
Don’t let cold and gloomy weather get you down. Be mindful of the benefits that yoga gives you. If you feel ill, your breathing exercises (pranayamas) can help to clear chest congestion and support immune response. If you start to really feel that you’re not up to physical yoga, study books on the subject or go to classes to help boost your motivation.
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can be an excuse for avoiding all kinds of tasks. But your yoga routine is too important to your well-being to put aside.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.