Words by Jo Goff, qualified yoga teacher and expert in making your mind and body feel nourished.
With the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping, now is the time to really focus on self care.
Why Yoga?
Yoga goes beyond flexibility. It links breath and movement in a way that actively calms the nervous system – helping shift you from ‘ fight or flight’ into ‘rest and digest’ mode. It also helps to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), slow racing thoughts, improve body awareness (key for emotional regulation) and helps to cultivate mindfulness. Restorative and gentle flow practices can be particularly useful when your mind feels overloaded. Think of yoga as an antidote to the overstimulated – a state may of us live in. Take time and incorporate a yoga practice into your life to regulate and emotionally find your foundation.
In the winter, when one feels more sluggish, stiff and unmotivated, yoga can be the perfect way to keep the mind and body warm and the mind balanced. Try to create a morning routine starting with 10-15 minutes daily to keep you moving and shake off the winter blues. At the end of the day some simple evening stretching supports relaxation and better sleep.
Create a cosy space for your practice, near a sunny window if possible. Light candles, use warm socks and layer up so you can shed layers as you warm. Play uplifting music or calming music depending on your energy level.
Jo’s winter yoga suggestions to support circulation, boosts your mood and warm up the body
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) – Builds internal heat and improves circulation.Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana 1 & 2) – Strengthening and grounding.Chair Pose (Utkatasana) – Generates warm and strengthens the legs and core.Twists (Revolved Chair/Seated Twist) – Stimulate digestion and detoxification.Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – Opens the chest and counteracts winter hunching.Bridge or Wheel Pose – Invigorates the spine and boosts energy.Forward Folds (Seated or Standing) – Calming and grounding for winter restlessness.Legs Up The Wall (Viparita Karani) – Restorative, great for sluggish circulation.
To end your practice, keep warm under a blanket for final rest (Savasana) – lying on your back, legs extended, feet falling out to the side. Arms resting slightly away from the body, palms rotating upwards. Closing the eyes and softening the facial muscles, stay for 5-15 minutes noticing the rise and fall of the breath.
Find out more about Jo Goff Yoga on www.jogoffyoga.com
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