Yoga To Stay Healthy In Winter

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Nothing can be compared to the feeling of snuggling in a blanket on a chilly winter morning. Waking up lazily to a cup of hot coffee, sipping it while enjoying the mist outside the window, or chewing on nuts and dates in the evenings makes winter days and nights special. Winter brings with it all these luxuries and more. But it is also involuntarily accompanied by dry skin, chapped lips, body ache, cold, cough, viral infections, and joint pains. Not to forget a general dull and gloomy feeling, which is an unsolicited gift of the weather outside.

Yoga can be your additional protective cover this winter, providing you warmth and the strength to fight common infections. We bring you a few yoga remedies that can help you fully enjoy the spirit of the winter season.

1. Keep warm: However tempting may be the idea of sleeping in, try not to avoid your daily yoga time. It will help you keep warm and also prevent those regular aches and stiffness in joints. Start your day with a few rounds of Surya Namaskara and follow up with some warm-up exercises. Also include Sukshma Vyayam in your practice. This yoga can prevent rigidity in joints (a common occurrence in winter, especially among the elderly).

2. Indulge but burn it out: Winter just seems to give an excuse to gorge on countless delicacies- both sweet and savory. However, don't let it become an excuse to put on weight this winter. Eat whatever you like but make sure to sweat it out with some active yoga postures and stretches. This remedy helps reduce weight while toning the internal organs as well.

Some of the asanas (postures) that can help stay healthy and active in winter includes Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Tadasana (Mountain Pose), UtthitaTrikonasana (Reversed Triangle Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), inverted postures such as ViparitaKarani (Legs Up the Wall Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Chakrasana (Wheel Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and Shalabhasana (Locust Pose).

3. Keep the bug at bay: Winter brings in health problems like cold, cough, viral fever etc. Regular yoga practice helps strengthen body immunity so that you can keep the bacteria at bay.

Practicing pranayamas (breathing exercises) helps clear chest congestion, which is so common during winter. Pranayamas also boosts up body immunity. The best for the season is Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing). Kapal Bharti Pranayama (Skull Shining Breathing Technique) also heats up the body and is good to practice in winter. Also try JalNeti, an ancient yogic technique to fight common allergies of the season.

4. Fight the blues: The dull, gloomy weather outside automatically casts its shadow on us and for no reason, we tend to feel low and lethargic. Take out some time to meditate this season. It works like an instant mood changer and you can see the difference yourself! It's a good idea to sit with your eyes closed for a few minutes as you end your daily yoga practice (after asanas and pranayamas). It is an ideal start to the day, preparing you to face the day with a strength and smile.

Diet and lifestyle tips for a healthy winter

1. People with a predominant Kapha body constitution should take particular care during winter as Kapha imbalance is pretty common in the form of cold and cough. Ginger tea works best for Kapha people. Also, lessen the intake of grains.

2. Because of the cold outside, the body is instinctively in a contracted mode. Frequent body massage with oil that suits your skin type helps release contraction in the muscles.

3. Treat yourself to aroma therapy and light some eucalyptus oil in the room. It aids breathing and helps release any congestion in the throat or chest area.

4. According to Ayurveda, napping during the day in winter should be avoided. Also, avoid sleeping for long hours as it promotes sluggishness in the body. Ensure an adequate sleep of 6-8 hours at night. As you get ready to sleep, gargle with warm water. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and salt, everyday or every alternate day in the water before gargling.

5. Make sure you get your daily dose of sunlight by engaging in some outdoor activity such as gardening, early morning or late evening sun gazing, walking, etc.

6. Food preparations that contain milk, butter, sugarcane juice, and ghee (clarified butter) are recommended during this season. It is good to include warm soups, stewed vegetables, cooked rice and oatmeal in your diet. These foods provide soothing warmth to the system.

7. Nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts and pistachios (taken sparingly) make a good diet supplement in the cold weather. Dates, figs, spinach and green leafy vegetables are also ideal.

8. Herbal supplements such as chyawanprash and Dasamoola Rasayanare are particularly recommended in the winter season as they help fight cold in the body.

Based on the inputs by Dr. Sejal Shah, Sri Sri Yoga teacher and Dr. Nisha Manikanthan, Sri Sri Ayurveda expert for The Art of Living.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.