5 Ways to create a Consistent Yoga Practice this Winter
Winter brings cozy vibes, shorter days, and cooler temperatures, but it can also dampen motivation for maintaining an active lifestyle. Yoga, though, can be a wonderful practice to sustain through the season, keeping us both warm and mindful. But consistency can be tough when the bed is warm, the air is chilly, and energy levels can feel lower than usual.
Here are five things you can do to help you start—and stick to—a yoga routine during the winter months!
1: Create a Cozy, Dedicated Space
Winter is the perfect time to create a warm, inviting yoga space at home. A corner with enough room to stretch, a soft mat, and some ambient lighting or candles can do wonders for motivation! You can add a heater or lay a blanket over your mat for extra warmth. Incorporating cozy props like cushions or warm blankets makes a winter yoga practice something you’ll look forward to.
2: Set a time & start small
Set a time that works well with your winter rhythm. For some, a morning yoga practice can be energizing and help offset those darker mornings, while for others, evening yoga may be a great way to wind down and relax after work. Set achievable goals, like practicing for 10 minutes a day, five days a week. Starting small makes it easier to establish a routine without feeling overwhelmed.
3: Warm Up with Breath-work & Gentle Flow
Practising pranayama is also a wonderful way to ground & centre yourself. Yoga in the winter months may also require a little extra warming up - so start your practice with some breathwork to increase warmth and circulation, like the Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) or Ujjayi (victorious breath). Follow up with gentle, flowing sequences like Sun Salutations to build warmth gradually.
4: Book a Yoga Retreat & give yourself something to look forward to
Keep motivated with a well deserved (and warm) wellness holiday in the horizon. This will give you that little extra push that you need to continue showing up for yourself on the mat. You will also learn to become your own best teacher, finding freedom in your movement, and creating a strong, mobile & mindful body.
5: Nourish your Body with a Post-Yoga Treat:
Since winter calls for more warmth and nourishment, pair your practice with a cozy, nourishing treat afterward, like a hot tea, golden milk latte, or warm smoothie bowl. This little reward can make your practice feel even more enjoyable and give you something to look forward to as you finish your flow.
Pro Tip: Add a warming spice to your post-yoga treat, such as ginger, cinnamon, or turmeric, for added warmth and a dose of winter-friendly antioxidants.
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