7 yoga asanas that are a must practice during winter season

Winter often leaves us feeling both physically and mentally lazy. To fight this, adopting the right diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking the necessary precautions against the cold can make a significant difference.
The chilly weather significantly impacts mental health, with studies, including research published in Environmental Research and Public Health, showing that 10% to 20% of the population experiences a decline in well-being during the winter months.
According to Ayurveda, yoga asanas and pranayama are effective tools for balancing the mind and body, and they can uplift your mood, promoting mental and physical strength during the colder months.
Here are 7 yoga asanas (poses) to help you stay warm and energized during winter:

Surya namaskar (Sun salutation)

Surya Namaskar is an ideal way to improve your physical and mental state right at the start of your day. This pose ensures a vibrant kickstart to those sluggish winter mornings. Practising a few rounds can boosts circulation, enhance joint mobility, improve spinal flexibility, and sharpen sense perception, all while energizing your body and uplifting your mood.

Virabhadrasana II

Virabhadrasana II, is beneficial during winter as it helps generate heat in the body, combating the cold. This pose strengthens the legs, arms, and core while improving stamina and balance. It encourages good blood circulation, energizes the body, and provides a sense of groundedness, helping you stay active and focused during winter.

Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)

Natarajasana, or Dancer Pose, helps to improve blood circulation and generates warmth in the body. This pose enhances flexibility, balance, and strength, especially in the legs and spine, making it ideal for countering the stiffness that often comes with cold weather. Not just that, Natarajasana stimulates the mind, reduces stress, and enhances focus, uplifting your mood during the winter months while keeping your body agile and active.

Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana is helpful during the winter months as it helps generate heat in the body and improves circulation, which can counteract the sluggishness caused by cold weather. This pose stretches the chest, lungs, and abdominal muscles, enhancing respiratory function and helping in digestion, which can be slower during winter.
Utkatasana
If you’re experiencing stiffness during the winter season, Utkatasana is the perfect asana to incorporate into your routine. This pose generates heat within the body, helping to warm the muscles and improve blood circulation, which is crucial for combating the stiffness that cold weather often brings. Regular practice of Utkatasana strengthens the lower body, targeting the thighs, hips, and calves, areas that tend to become tense and tight during winter.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) pose helps stretch and strengthen the entire body, especially the back, shoulders, and legs, which can become stiff and tight due to the cold weather. It improves circulation by allowing blood to flow to the head and upper body, helping to reduce feelings of fatigue.

Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)

Vrikshasana, also known as Tree Pose helps improve balance and stability, which can be affected by cold weather. Regular practice of Vrikshasana also aids in grounding the mind, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity, which can help uplift your mood during the colder.