The cold season signals the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The colder months mean a decrease in sunlight and an increase in natural darkness. This can be really challenging for people who are used to practicing yoga indoors year-round. However, it doesn’t mean we have to give up on our practice because of the change in seasons. Winter is a great time to practice yoga because it helps you relax, sleep better, release stress and tackle difficult situations head-on. It also helps build your muscles and stay limber by increasing your body’s core temperature (and sweat). Even though there are obvious challenges with practicing yoga during this time, incorporating essential oils into your practice can help ease some of those difficulties.
## Difficulties with Practicing Yoga During The Winter
The winter months are the most challenging time to practice yoga because they mean less sunlight, which means less vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for making your muscles, and especially your heart, more efficient. So while practicing yoga in the winter months can be beneficial, it’s not quite the same as practicing in the summer months. Not only is the sunlight less, but your body is also used to the warmth of summer. This means your body has adapted to a certain temperature, which means you have to work a little harder to get the same results. Yoga is really about balance and finding a rhythm that works for you. If you’re used to practicing in the summer, you’re going to have to find a new rhythm for the winter.
## Why include Essential Oils in Your Practice?
Yogis are super intuitive and are naturally connected to their bodies. The seasons, the weather and even your own health can tell you a lot about what you need to do next. Winter is a really dark time for many people, so incorporating aromatherapy into your practice can help you ease into this season with more positive vibes. Winter can also be a challenge for people who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a seasonal mood disorder caused by a lack of sunlight. It’s a serious condition that affects 1-3% of the population. SAD can significantly affect your ability to function. Essential oils, which are plant-based extracts, can help ease both seasonal mood fluctuations and seasonal affective disorder.
## 8 Sneaky Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Yoga Practice
– Make your own bath bomb – Check out the recipe here- Make your own stress reliever with baking soda – Check out the recipe here- Add a few drops of a citrus oil to your water bottle – Sprinkle some cinnamon in a bowl of hot water – Add a few drops of lavender oil to your wrist warmers – Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your hot water bottle – Add a few drops of orange oil to your socks – Add a few drops of lavender oil to your pillowcase – Add a few drops of frankincense oil to your sweaters – Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your scarf – Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your boots – Make yourself a diffuser blend with a few oils
## 8 Sneaky Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Yoga Practice
– Make your own bath bomb – Check out the recipe here- Make your own stress reliever with baking soda – Check out the recipe here- Add a few drops of a citrus oil to your water bottle – Sprinkle some cinnamon in a bowl of hot water – Add a few drops of lavender oil to your wrist warmers – Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your hot water bottle – Add a few drops of orange oil to your socks – Add a few drops of lavender oil to your pillowcase – Add a few drops of frankincense oil to your sweaters – Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your scarf – Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your boots – Make yourself a diffuser blend with a few oils
## 5 Different Ways to Use Baking Soda in Your Practice
Baking soda is an amazing astringent that can help unclog your pores and unplug your energy blockages. To use baking soda in your yoga practice, all you have to do is sprinkle a few drops on some damp sponges and apply to your face. This will help reduce your pores and unclog your skin. Next, add some drops to a bowl of lukewarm water and immerse your face in the water. You can then use the sponges to gently wipe your face, helping to remove any excess water. Baking soda can also be used in a diffuser. Simply add a few drops and place the diffuser in a quiet space. This will help you to relax and unplug after a long day. Baking soda can also be used as a body exfoliant. Simply add a few drops to a bowl of lukewarm water and massage the skin with the sponges. This will help to unblock your pores and eliminate any dead skin cells. Baking soda can also be used as a natural toothpaste. Simply add a few drops to a spoon of baking soda and mix in your mouth rinse. This will provide you with a natural alternative to toothpaste. Baking soda can also be used as a natural mouthwash. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water and swish around your mouth. This will help to reduce your appetite and promote oral health.
## 3 Tips for Improving your Yoga Experience During the Colder Months
– Keep warm while practicing – Wear a scarf or a hot water bottle while practicing – Make sure your yoga mat is kept dry – Wear a hat or gloves – Keep your room at a certain temperature – Wear long underwear – Wear layers – Wear warm socks – Wear mittens – Wear earmuffs – Wear a jacket – Wear a scarf – Wear sunglasses – Make sure to drink water throughout the day – Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet – Make avoid sunbathing – Make sure to get enough sleep – Make sure to stay hydrated – Make sure to snuggle up with a good book – Make sure to practice self-love – Make sure to keep your stress level down – Make sure to turn down the music – Make sure to stay grounded
## Conclusion
Practicing yoga during the winter months can be a challenge, but with a little bit of innovation, it can be a rewarding season of growth. If you are feeling a little down, try diffusing some citrus oil. Citrus oils are known to boost energy and improve mood. Keep your metabolism going with a few drops of lemongrass oil, which is great for relieving stress. If you’re feeling stressed out, try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your wrist warmers. This will help you relax and enjoy your yoga practice even more. While it can be challenging, winter is a great time to practice yoga. Incorporating essential oils into your practice can help you stay warm, energized and grounded.
