Hey ,
Happy Wednesday!
Phew, last week just flew by with all evening classes getting back on track. And you know what? I've noticed that quite a few students came back to the yoga mat feeling completely wrung out. How are you doing these days, ?
After a snowy December, freezing temps that punched into the bones, and a holiday season full of treats, it’s not uncommon to start January running on fumes. Throw in the “shovel-itis” - as Shelly aptly named it - in our backs,
shoulders, and hands. No wonder we feel stuck in the funk!
All this time, our bodies have been quietly working to fight off germs, keep us warm, and absorb stress—all with less light and no sunshine. Of course, we feel drained and achy, and naturally, some of us may
have fallen off the self-care wagon.
It’s winter, our brains are foggy, and our energy and productivity are low. Our nervous and immune systems are depleted. That isn’t a failure of character or drive. We are simply human beings living in Northern
Alberta.
New Year, New You.
Each January, the pressure to reinvent ourselves intensifies: stricter diets, tougher workouts, and an urgency to quickly recover from the December slump. But here’s what really happens:
- The body, already depleted, experiences
greater stress and struggles to recover.
- Sleep gets worse, cravings get stronger, and joints complain louder.
- Within a few weeks, the plan collapses under the weight of real life.
Am I right?
So what if we tried something different this
year?
Hard 'New year, new you' resolutions are rigid and shame-based, focusing on flaws. What if, instead, we stayed curious and compassionate? This softer approach supports our biology, restores tired spirits, and nourishes chilled, exhausted
bodies.
This softer approach asks questions like:
- What would support my nervous system rather than shock it?
- What small habits would gently move me toward feeling better, not just looking different?
- What can I keep doing in February, March, and April, not just this week?
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga:
Yoga can be more than exercise. It
supports your immune system, eases tension, and helps you regain energy after winter's challenges.
In deep winter, yoga can be:
- Warmth: Yoga literally and metaphorically thaws muscles and emotions, improving circulation and
comfort.
- Safety: Breath and movement calm your nervous system, signaling, 'You are safe; it’s okay to soften.'
- Strength: Build strength and stability while supporting joints, balancing hormones, and promoting recovery.
- Community: Practice with others, navigating fatigue, gaining encouragement, and connection.
Nourishment, Not Punishment:
Your body got you through December, fighting viruses, keeping you warm, and supporting loved ones. Now, it needs care, not punishment. Choose gentle, sustainable care instead of self-criticism or rigid
routines. Use your mat to practice this—one breath, one choice, one gentle step at a time.
In two weeks, we'll cover practical steps for gently increasing activity at your body's pace. This January, focus on moving forward gently and sustainably, honouring what your
body really needs.
Until then - take extra gentle care!
