Now that the holidays are over, the humdrum of winter is slowly setting in. For many, this time of year is affected by a seasonal mood disorder for Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a kind of depression that waxes when the days become shorter and wanes as they grow longer.
Yoga has numerous health benefits with one of the most important being the ability to center your mood and find balance in your emotions and mental state. If you feel the heaviness of winter coming on, add a few uplifting and heart-opening yoga postures to your daily routine. The following asanas (postures) focus on breathing vital prana into our heart in order to lift our spirits and energize the flow of energy that circulates in and out of our body’s center.
This entire sequence will take you about 20 minutes.
1) Sun Salutation A: Stand with your feet together, hands at your sides. Take a few moments to breathe deeply in and out of your nose, filling your chest completely as you inhale and emptying it out completely upon your exhale. Then perform 3-5 Sun Salutations or more if you can.
2) Next, perform Bridge Pose, followed by a five minute savasana or resting pose.
Try to do this sequence 3-5 times each week. Gradually, work your way up to performing more sun salutations. Notice any changes in how you feel mentally and physically before and after your yoga practice. This mindful and focused exercise will help to keep your mind relaxed, your heart light and release tension in your body as you battle the cold winter months.