Winter Blues

As I gaze out my window at the snow-covered landscape and freezing temperatures, I can't help but wonder why I still live in Illinois. The brown, dead grass and bare trees do little to lift my spirits. My body temperature is all over the place, my joints and muscles ache, and I have zero motivation to do anything. A bit of sadness has crept into my body and soul. If only I could stay in my pajamas all day in front of the fireplace!

I'm sure many of you can relate to this feeling. It's a common experience each year for just about everyone. So, what is it? Are we doomed to suffer through the next few months until the sun warms us again?

The "Winter Blues," also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter. It's often triggered by reduced sunlight exposure, which can disrupt the body's internal clock and decrease serotonin levels, leading to symptoms like lethargy, sadness, and irritability.

The good news is that we don't have to endure the challenges of winter without support. There are numerous practices we can incorporate into our daily routines to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Engaging in yoga, maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, prioritizing rest and relaxation, staying hydrated, pursuing favorite indoor hobbies, bundling up to enjoy the benefits of natural Vitamin D, spending quality time with loved ones, and diving into that long-awaited book are just a few impactful strategies. The possibilities are virtually endless

Every small action has the potential to make a meaningful difference. However, yoga truly deserves to be prioritized at the top of the list. Its benefits are far-reaching: yoga enhances circulation, reduces stress hormones, and encourages the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. Yet, yoga is much more than a series of poses—it represents a pathway to achieving balance, stability, stillness, peace, and mindfulness for both the body and mind.

Sounds amazing, right? Well, it is! And it's so simple! Yoga is for every body type, every age, and every gender! Implementing this practice for just a few minutes a day can significantly change the course of your mood, stability, and the overall outcome of your day. Whether you spend a quick 5 minutes when you wake up, 10 minutes before bed to help relax, or enjoy a 20-60 minute session, it will have an impact!

A 5-minute stretch to start your day will help get the blood flowing, wake up the senses, stretch the body to prepare the muscles to move for the day, and energize the mind.

A 10-minute meditation and stretch before bed will lower cortisol levels, relax the body and mind to prepare for sleep, and bring an overall sense of stillness.

A 20-60 minute practice will boost your immune system, improve circulation, aid in digestion, increase flexibility, release tension in the muscles, decrease cortisol levels, enhance your mood, and help you feel strong and confident both mentally and physically!

Here are some excellent poses to enhance your day:

• Warm up with Hot Yoga: This practice is one of the best ways to warm up during the coldest months of the year. It helps to stretch tight muscles, detox the body, and boost your immune system and mood. So get out there and sweat it out—you won't be sorry!

• Legs Up the Wall, Revolved Triangle, and Cat/Cow: These poses can help increase circulation, release tension, and increase flexibility.

• flexibility.

• Standing Forward Fold and Supported Shoulder Stand: These poses can help regulate blood flow and give you a new perspective, which can be very helpful when you're feeling down.

• Mountain Pose, Plank Pose, and Downward Dog: These poses can energize the body, warm up stiff muscles, and stimulate circulation, providing an instant mood lift.

  
  

There are so many others that would bring many benefits, but starting with just a few simple ones can get you in the mood and start your journey towards a happier filled winter