31/10/2025
Yoga for the darker months🍂🌙
As the months get colder and darker, it's common to want to retreat in - finding comfort in our homes, dressing gowns and bed socks. While this is so nourishing, it can also mean we socialise less, move less and spend less time in nature. Which inevitably leads to feeling lower in energy, maybe in mood too.
This is sooo normal. We are cyclical beings with inevitable highs and lows. And with the right practices we can actually really enjoy this time.
Here's a few of tips I've been putting into practice to stay happy and healthy in winter -
1. Keep connected to the people around you, seeing family/friends or attending social events. It's common to feel isolated during this time but reminding yourself you're not alone in this is so important.
2. Get moving in a nurturing way. It may feel hard and sometimes you just want to stay in the warmth but your mental and physical health will thank you for it. This may be an exercise/ yoga class so you can also connect with the community and receive that social side.
3. Self-care rituals. I find comfort in my daily rituals and they keep me in a routine. This for me looks like having a warm tea first thing every morning followed by meditation. It may be reading a comforting book (I'm currently reading Wintering by Katherine May, highly recommend for a autumn/winter read), or going for a walk in nature.
4. Journaling. This to me is one of the most important practices as it encourages you to pause and check-in with yourself. Allowing you to move through the day with intention and really honouring your needs.
5. Be gentle with yourself. This is the most important one of all. We are in a society that celebrates the grafting culture and can lead us to a sense of guilt around resting or slowing down. Take a moment to notice all the other areas of nature slowing down and retreating right now, we’re not separate to this natural need to hibernate.
Get snuggly, do what lights your heart up, spend time with loved ones, and find ways to enjoy the rest and slower pace.
Lots of love,
Holly Xx