• Vidhya Kripashankar
• 27 Jan 2020
• Lifestyle/health

Just like how we change our diet according to the season, understanding practices that are most suited for the winter season will help us deal with the winter blues. Winter can be mild or harsh, but these cold months bring cold and flu. Harsh winters can be depressing, and sad too. Generally, all we want to do during winter is to curl up inside the bed. It becomes extremely difficult to get out of bed and the reason for this is that our body gets very rigid and tight.

Incorporating some yoga regularly can remove this sluggishness and boost our metabolism and energy level. It balances hormone levels too and increases the production of endorphins which in-turn will enhance our mood. Yoga also builds heat internally, thereby warm up our body, loosen up joints and make us feel relaxed. Yoga asanas are geared to improve the functioning of respiratory organs, chest, clearing throat and sinuses. However, yoga must be done at a slow pace and we should pay attention to our body’s response during the practice.

10 Best Yoga Asanas for Winter Months:-

Surya namaskar (sun salutation) tops the list. Few rounds of Suryanamaskar increases blood circulation energizes and instantly wakes us up.

Veerabadrasan(warrior pose) will strengthen legs and bring instant heat to our body.

Vrikshana (tree pose) always feel rooted, no matter what the weather is, trees are constantly changing and growing 

Ardha Matsyendrasan(spinal twist) will detox and makes the spine more flexible.

Utkatasan(chair pose) is a powerful pose and taps into our strength. Shalabasan(locust pose) and Dhanurasan(bow pose) will open the chest, neck and shoulders and makes us cheerful.

Twisting poses like, Parivrutta Parshvakonasan & Parivrutta Uttkatasan will fire up our belly and make us sweat.

Adding Pranayama practice in our daily routine will increase lung capacity, improves respiratory functions, and calms the mind.

Kapalbatti, Bhastrika, Ujjayi breathing and Surya Beda pranayama will energize and keep us warm during winter. 

(Note: - Hold each pose for 5 breath and add Ujjayi breathing (Breathe through your nose and slightly constrict the back of the throat. You will create a hissing sound) while holding the poses. Remember to alter your practice according to your need. It is always better to go with an experienced yoga teacher who can understand and suggest you the right poses and teach the perfect breathing techniques.)

Like it is rightly said, “Train your mind to see good”, we should “Train our body to feel good”.
Stay happy and healthy.