Yoga Winter Solstice and Lifestyle Choices

LIFESTYLE CHOICES

• Kapha is the slowest moving of the three doshas, so a good workout routine will combat your kapha tendencies. Try doing some kind of invigorating exercise in the morning to boost immunity and mood and kick-start the movement of lymph. This helps prevent build-up of mucus and congestion.

• Start your day by 7:00 a.m. This might be a bit later than you are used to, but Winter encourages us to hibernate a little longer at night. Remember that Winter is a natural time for resting. Which can be hard for Type A's but maybe it's the time to not feel guilty so you are ready to go in the spring/summer. So at night, do peaceful and calming activities that promote a sense of stillness like yin yoga, gentle pilates or stretches. Try to go to bed earlier than you are used to help.

• Use a warm-mist humidifier at night to help keep your sinuses clear.

• Soak up as much sunshine as you can by sitting by a window or taking a winter walk. Sunlight helps your body regulate sleep, wake cycles, energy, produces vitamin D (which is crucial to ward of illness), relaxes the muscles, combats seasonal mood disorders.

• Sunscreen is a must because cloud cover can actually be the time you get burned and not expect it. Ever seen the snowboarders goggle tan? Ha ha! No sun in sight? Try mood-boosting light therapy.

Essential Oils:

Frankenscense, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, citrus.

Here's a blend

We love this blend from Aura Cacia - Petal Power (pictured above). Includes cedarwood, bergamot, sweet orange and lavendar. Or make your own in a spritz bottle you can get at your local grocer or coop.

Food:

Eat lots of Soups / Stews and drink lots of tea. Avoid cold foods like salad and cold drinks.