There are two big directional shifts in the energy of the natural world. The first comes in spring, when winter’s dormancy ends and growth energy begins. This is when Nature intended you to take a break during the summer months, when food and warmth are abundant.
The second big directional shift is autumn, when the growth energy of spring and summer ends. Autumn, for some parts of the world, marks a change in both light and warmth as we approach colder and darker days. For most of us this means shorter days, longer nights and a decline in temperatures. But how does this affect our lives, mind and body?
The impact of light and temperature on the human body is profound. We all need some level of light and warmth for our bodies to survive. A lack of sunlight can cause what is known as ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD). This mood disorder usually affects people during the winter months, when daylight becomes scarce. When exposed to less sunlight, your body produces more Melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy, resulting in your brain producing less Serotonin, the neurotransmitter that affects your moods, appetite, sleep and sexual desire. As these Serotonin levels decrease, carbohydrate cravings increase. The eating of carbohydrates causes the Serotonin levels to spike, making people feel ‘better’, however this increase is short lived. SAD is marked by moodiness, low energy, difficulty sleeping, a lack of interest in activities and relationships, feeling hopeless and an overall sense of depression, resulting in us wanting to ‘hibernate’, or socialise less.
Cold temperatures reduce sensory feedback, dexterity, muscle strength, blood flow and balance. The reduction in atmospheric pressure allows body fluids to move from blood vessels to tissues, causing pressure on the nerves and joints, leading to increased pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
A Harvard study also found that the lack of sunlight affects the quality and deepness of your sleep, making you feel tired during the day. When ultraviolet light hits your retinas, a chemical reaction takes place in your brain, firming up your circadian sleep rhythms, ensuring you sleep soundly at night and wake feeling energised. Sunlight also fortifies your Vitamin D levels, meaning in winter the lack of Vitamin D can leave you feeling fatigued. Many reports have linked ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD) to both lower Vitamin D levels and poor sleep.
One solution in the winter and falls: Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation that helps with balancing energies, flow and restore your body cells. Here is how it goes:
Sanskrit name :Â Surya Namaskar
Meaning :Â Sun Salutation
Therapeutic Applications :Â Cardio exercise.
Anatomical Focus :Â Core
Anatomical Awareness :Â Focus on core abdominal region & chest.
Position :Â Standing.
Warms up and prepares the body for asana practice. Lubricates and increases the blood supply to the joints. Stretches and strengthens the whole body. Improves efficiency of the internal organs. Helps to detoxify the body. Stimulates pingala/surya nadi which increases energy and stimulates digestion. Increases the prana in the body and helps to remove energy blockages. Useful for weight loss when practiced as an exercise. Helps to balance the endocrine system. Beeja mantras strengthen the heart. The particular breathing sequence strengthens the lungs.










