Winter warming Yoga Practice
In January, we are at the height of the cold winter. Vata is still very strong with the dry and icy winds, making you feel cold to the bones.
Particularly in January and February, my body seems to run out of reserves to fend off the cold, so my hands and feet get easily cold, even in the house. My skin is dry because of the wind outside and the heating inside.
Exercising in the Winter
Because space (ether) and air are Vata’s elements, it has no substance and gets tired quickly. So, despite the best intentions of hitting the gym and establishing a regular exercise regime, it's not really the time for that, not just yet, anyway.
The best time to exercise is in the morning, between 6 and 10 am. This is the Kapha time of the day. Kapha has strength and stamina. Exercising during these qualities will be less tiring for the body than practising during the Vata or Pitta time, which, as mentioned above, lack substance and tire quickly.
Exercising in the evening should be light, focusing on stretches and breathing to avoid stimulating the nervous system and disrupting sleep.
One of my massage clients told me during our initial talk that she was suddenly suffering from night sweats and had difficulties falling asleep. After asking about any changes in her daily routine, she mentioned that she started doing HIT exercises in the evening, as she read that this is an excellent way to fit in and sleep well. But in her case, it overheated the body, so she started having night sweats, which are a sign of increased heat and aggravated her nervous system, preventing her from a good night's rest.
A warming practice with rest elements for rejuvenation is much better for the system.
Create Healthy Eating Habits in 5 Easy Steps with our FREE 5-Day Email Challenge.
A short Winter Warming Practice
Here is an easily accessible practice, which is warming through the body. This practice is gentle enough to be done in the morning or evening.
Chandra Namaskar
Surya Namaskar, or Salute to the Sun, is more well-known and is a specific morning sequence. The sun and the moon represent the body's hot, active, and cool, creative and relaxed side.
Chandra Namaskar is a relatively new creation, the salute to the moon. With its big flowing movements, it focuses on supporting the cooling side of the body.
Therefore, it is an excellent alternative if you need a little gentler practice or, as mentioned, practise in the evening.
Three rounds are sufficient; it also works in conjunction with Surya Namaskar.
Mermaid Twist
This is such a lovely version towards Bharadvajasana. It opens the front body, front of the thighs and hips, abdomen, and chest.
The gentle twist rejuvenates the spine, releases tension and deepens the breath.
Viparita Karani
Legs up the wall. Here, we practise a super relaxing version: we put the legs up on a sofa, chair, or bed, whatever is handy. A slight pelvis elevation with a cushion or a block makes this a mini inversion. It is super beneficial for the pelvic organs, relaxes the heart, and restores your energy. If you want to choose only one, choose this one. We rotate out the legs in the hips, bend the knees and bring the foot soles together into butterfly legs.
Click below to practise with me. With all instructions, easily accessible.
Final Thoughts
In the heart of winter, with January's cold and dry, icy winds, we often find ourselves struggling against the chill, our bodies and skin yearning for warmth and moisture. This time of year, when our natural reserves seem to dwindle, calls for a gentler approach to exercise, one that respects the body's needs and the rhythms of nature.
Recognizing that Vata, characterized by space and air, tires quickly, it's advisable to shift our exercise routine to align better with the Kapha time of day, between 6 and 10 am. This period, known for strength and stamina, ensures that our practices are less exhausting. Evening exercises should be light and calming, focusing on stretches and breathing to maintain a peaceful nervous system and promote restful sleep.
A warming yoga practice, incorporating restorative elements, is particularly beneficial during this season. It not only warms the body but also soothes and rejuvenates. Practices like Chandra Namaskar, a moon salutation with its flowing movements, support the body's cooler, creative side, making it an excellent choice for a gentler session or evening practice. The Mermaid twist, with its ability to open the front body and rejuvenate the spine, and the relaxing Viparita Karani, perfect for restoring energy, are ideal for these colder months.
Embracing such a practice, we can counter the harshness of winter, finding warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation, helping us to maintain balance and wellness during these chilly months.
What you eat, also impacts how we feel and our energy level. Let me know your thoughts and experiences by leaving a message on Instagram, Facebook or even good old email.
I love hearing from you!
Katja x
