4 yogic lifestyle tips for a happy winter

Here comes the cool, rainy weather again, when we prefer crawling under a big blanket in a warm room, rather than going outside. Due to the cold and less light it is harder to maintain our energy level, and we might have to face mood-swings. That’s why it is important to see the possibility of change and recovery and be happy every day!

How can yoga help?

1. 

Winter is coming, we start to slow down and look inward. This period can be extremely productive, since this quiter state is favorable for focusing on the mental and physical processes within us, which in turn contributes to the development of a higher level of self-awareness.

2. 

If you feel your energy level starts to decrease, chose dynamic yoga. This kind of yoga energizes the whole body, detoxifies and help develop resistance against diseases. Start the morning with Sun Salutation sequences or visit a Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga or Hot Yoga class and you will soon feel more energetic despite the cooler weather.

3.

We can overcome our gloom if we can cope with everyday stress. Restorative or relaxing yoga classes may help us in this case. Long-held, passive poses and restorative asanas calm and balance the nervous system, which enhance self-recovery and contribute to activate our body's healing processes.

4.

In cold weather it is advisable to try different pranayama techniques like the harmonizing alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) or one of the various heating pranayamas. It is not only good for cleaning and energizing our physical body, but also for controlling our mind and subtle body processes.

Yoga not only brings happiness to our lives because endorphin is produced by body movements, but off the mat we can experience a more peaceful, balanced state of mind during everyday activities. Finally, deeper self-knowledge can open such opportunities in our life that we have never thought of before.