Is It Good To Do Yoga In Winter
Table of Contents
Yoga, the divine union of man with the universe, “Purush” meets “Prakriti”. A lifestyle that organically assimilates with existence. The Yogic philosophies find their path directed towards self-actualization, but the ancient lifestyle has been watered down through years of generational decay into an exercise routine. Even this watered-down version has so many applications in our daily life, that it impacts every aspect of our existence. Today we will focus more on how we can utilise this ancient discipline to make our winter experience more comfortable.
Yoga For Winter
The yogic philosophy does not pertain to any particular season. The lifestyle demands extreme discipline and constant practice. Even though most people look at Yoga as an exercise routine, the only way it can induce benefits is through regular practice. Yoga is a very substantial discipline that works on the individual’s body and mind.
The yogic asanas focus on improving the body’s strength and endurance whereas the meditation and breathing techniques work on calming the mind and improving body oxygenation. There are many such asanas in this discipline that can be very beneficial whilst dealing with the winter season, and it is on this topic that we shall elaborate.
Some beneficial asanas have been briefly discussed below:
1. Adho Mukha Svanasana
Also known as the downward-facing dog pose, the Adho Mukho Svanasana is an intermediate yogic asana that is highly beneficial to the calve muscles. The asana stretches the lower back region and also strengthens the arms and shoulder regions. The pose is intense and the deep breathing whilst holding the pose oxygenates the body and calms the mind.
2. Trikonasana
The Trikonasana or the Triangle pose is a side bend with one hand touching the heel and the other hand extending upwards to form the triangle. The asana stretches the calve area and the waist.
3. Bhujangasana
This is also known as the Cobra pose and it is a stretch that impacts the entire back, straightening the posture and increasing blood circulation in the entire body. The Bhujangasana also strengthens the shoulder and the buttocks regions.
4. Purvottanasana
The Purvottanasana is a difficult stretch to the east. The east is considered a direction for new beginnings because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The core muscles of the body are stimulated as the body moves into the reverse plank pose, and the asana is completed with the support of the shoulders, arms, and leg muscles.
Mentioned above are only some of the asanas that can benefit the body and the mind this winter season. Each asana generates heat in the body which not only tones the body but also improves skin texture. A deeper study into the subject will ensure much greater benefits.
8 Benefits of Practising Yoga in Winter
The yogic asanas have many benefits from building body flexibility and endurance to curing various ailments. The asanas have many psychological benefits as well through breathing and meditation techniques.
Mentioned below are some of the benefits we can reap during this winter:
- Joint Pain is a big issue during winter times, especially for older people. Yogic asanas and breathing practices can help alleviate this pain.
- The breathing exercises are very beneficial in terms of respiratory care.
- The heat and sweat generated by the body whilst practising these yogic asanas clean the pores in your skin and moisturise it.
- Yogic asanas boost blood circulation in the body.
- Practising yoga can free you from the lethargy that spreads during the winter.
- Yoga helps keep your body warm during the winter.
- Yoga boosts body immunity and keeps you from falling sick.
- Yogic practices promote a meditative mind and help keep you stress-free.
Yoga for Winter – FAQs
Q1. Can you do Yoga in Winter?
Absolutely, instead, yoga can generate many short and long-term benefits to cope with the winter.
Q2. Is it good to do yoga in the cold?
Yoga is a good and organic way to heat up the body during winter. Practising yoga in cold weather can help in many ways such as keeping our skin clean and soft, improving breathing, curing seasonal ailments, etc.
Q3. Which season is best for yoga?
Yoga is good for all seasons. It is not a seasonal practice, it requires a lot of regular practice to reap the long-term benefits of yoga.
Why do we do yoga in winter?
There are many reasons why we should practice yoga during the winter.
- Keep the body warm.
- Improve blood circulation.
- Improve body flexibility and endurance.
- Keep the mind calm and composed.
- Improve breathing.
The Bottom line
In a nutshell, the yogic philosophy has a myriad of benefits which not only pertains to the winter season but to all seasons. The benefits of yoga can only be reaped through regular practice. Understanding the benefits of yoga can have long-lasting impacts on an individual to the extent of self-actualization.
The above article begins with a brief introduction to yoga and how it was conceived back in the day and how generational decay has reduced it to an exercise routine. The article goes on to vividly describe the benefits of yoga during winter. Some asanas have also been introduced in the process with a brief description of their benefits and how the asana needs to be performed. For more information, you can log onto the company website and find out more about yoga and its benefits and practices.
I am a Pune based artist, Kathak dancer, Dance Movement Therapist, and an avid Yoga practitioner/ teacher. I am also the Director at the Sakal Media Group, a Trustee of Pune Blind School and Nirdhar Trust.
Being a part of Sakal Media Group, with its strong foundation of service and ethical journalism, I am deeply committed in making this world a better place by pushing boundaries, giving opportunities to others, following my convictions, helping others make better choices and to tell powerful stories that will help reshape the world we live in.