Top 10 reasons why you need yoga in winter
1. The winter yoga glow – skin renewal
The skin is the largest organ of the body and contributes significantly to the detoxifying process in conjunction with other internal organs. In winter, being indoors and cool winds tend to cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated. Movement combined with increased awareness of breath will take pressure of your skin and help the detoxing!
2. Winter Blues or SAD- yoga elevates the mood
The pineal gland in the brain produces a hormone called melatonin, responsible for balancing the sleep/wake cycles during seasonal changes and stimulated by darkness, and may lead to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition carries symptoms specific to winter, such as low mood, tiredness not alleviated by rest, need for more sleep, low energy and a significantly increased appetite. Surya Namaskar- Sun Salutations- have a counter effect on SAD by lifting the mood, increasing metabolism, and energizing body, mind and spirit!
3.Yoga, stress and immunity Research consistently identifies exactly how chronic stress contributes significantly to disease. High levels of cortisol, triggered by stress, when present in the blood over a prolonged period of time suppress the immune system, thereby compromising the body’s natural ability to ward off disease. Restorative yoga reduces cortisol levels in the blood and therefore restores the immune system.
4. Pranayama (breath work) for the lungs protects the respiratory system
One of the most natural ways to protect the lower respiratory system is to consistently breath via the nose. The various breath practices in most yoga classes reduce the constriction of the lungs. Secondly, the groove-like passage in the nasal airway swirl and filter air, thus protecting the respiratory system from potential allergens that may irritate the lungs.
5. Yoga reduces chronic joint pain and inflammation
It is well known that chronically inflamed joints flare up from cold weather. this is even more reason to warm these aching joints up through gentle movement. Restorative Yoga, Hatha and/Or Vinyasa 1 are great classes to ease in to.
6. Yoga boosts your circulation
If you have cold feet and hands in winter, movement and awareness of breath will help.
7. Boost your immune system
Yoga helps the body cleanse the kidneys and liver and lowers our stress level; all of which provide an immune boost.
8. Pranayama (breath work) soothes asthma symptoms
Most of our classes include breath work and will help bring awareness to breath and get your lungs working at full capacity.
9. Yoga helps avoid winter weight gain
One study that surveyed 15,500 people found that those aged 45 to 55 who did regular yoga over a four year period gained on average three pounds less than non yogis. (Overweight people in the same group actually lost an average of five pounds over a decade while non-yoga practitioners put on 14.)
10. Yoga gives you a much needed break
While you are more likely to go for a walk in summer or go to the beach, yoga in our cozy warm studio will give you just that: the opportunity to take a breath and focus on the good things in your life.
