Winter replenishment

Without sounding like a Negative Nancy, I’m going to put it out there… for me, Winter just does not push my buttons. At all. Melbourne’s cold winds, being stuck indoors and lack of Vitamin D makes me feel out of sorts.

Then I start reaching for the chocolate and waiting with bated breath for season two of Australia's The Bachelor. 

Yes, shame on my name I just admitted to that.

Winter is the ‘Vata season’ in Ayurveda (the sister science of Yoga) and we can feel anxious, flighty and unbalanced, so it’s super important to nourish our body, mind, soul, and replenish ready for Spring.

So, I’m thinking... instead of hibernating in TV reality trash land, it's the perfect time to nurture myself and take a mid-winter yoga retreat. Maybe even just at home...

Food
Ayurveda says that when Vata is out of balance we should eat more warming, cooked foods. Which makes sense when our bodies usually crave winter 'comfort foods'. Keep it healthy with spicy cinnamon quinoa porridge for breakfast, and kitchari, stews or home made veggie soups for lunch and dinner. 

Aromatherapy
Lose the winter blues with essential oils.  I use an oil burner or drop a few drops of lavender oil into my bath at night to help with sleep. Look for blends of  citrus oil to uplift you (lemon, sweet orange), to combat the cold use warming oils such as ginger and cinnamon leaf, and you can't beat the aroma of lavender before you hit the hay.

Meditation
I've set up my own dedicated space in my house for Meditation and Pranayama where I can sit on a comfy cushion, burn some candles and zen out. It doesn't need to a big space, but just having a corner where you can meditate and burn a candle can help you slip into that space of bliss. Even if you just set aside 5-10 minutes for some mindful meditation it's a great way to start the (windy, rainy) day with a more positive mindset.

Yoga
It's been said it takes 21 days to form a habit (good or bad!. Before I did my Yoga teacher training I didn't think it possible to make the time to practice Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama daily. But as part of our teacher training we had to keep a journal of our own self-practice and I realised that practicing Yoga daily doesn't HAVE to be a full one hour class. Try some gentle restorative postures before bed if you are feeling tired or have had a hectic day, but make that habit stick with your at home retreat by giving yourself the 21 day challenge.

Retreat from technology
I generally try and abide by my 'no screens after 8.30 rule'. As someone who often suffers from insomnia this really helps me get a good night of shut eye. The 'blue light' emitted from your iPhone screen makes the body think it's daytime, so try not to check your messages when you can't sleep at night. Better still, switch if off for a day so you can truly retreat.

Connect with nature
I find when I'm feeling all sluggish and blah, I'm usually craving a bit of connection with nature. It's proven that getting out in the outdoors can help with stress, anxiety and depression. So rug up warm and get out for a walk to connect to nature, even if it's just in your local park (you get the added bonus of patting all the cute dogs!)

So there we have it, my little winter do it yourself health retreat tips. Let me know how you go!

If you can, then going on a weekend or longer Yoga retreat can really help rejuvinate and kick start your own winter yoga routine, here are a few listed below.

Byron Yoga Centre 8 day ‘Wellness Retreat‘ 

19 July –  26 July $1995

Head up to gorgeous Byron Bay for a retreat with the Byron Yoga Centre. Their wellness retreat combines yoga, meditation and pranayama as well as an evening program with discussion on nutrition, wellness and Ayurveda. Retreat cost includes:

·      share accommodation

·      nutritional balanced healthy meals

·      3 treatments (shiatsu massage, ayurvedic massage, reflexology or cranio-sacral therapy)

·       Twice daily yoga

·       Talks on ways to make positive life style changes

·       Kirtan evening

Visit http://www.byronyoga.com/8-day-wellness-and-rejuvenation-retreat 

Weekend retreats in VIC

 Yin Yoga retreat Le Yoga, Daylesford

01 Aug – 03 Aug - $545

The lovely Jennifer Crescenzo who is facilitating the 200 hour teacher training at The Yoga Social with Ambika is holding a Yin retreat at Lè.Yoga Daylesford. Explore the restorative qualities of Yin Yoga in a very private retreat in the natural springs are. The meditative and restorative quality of Yin yoga is perfect for this time of year, and Jennifer will also focus on the Five Element Theory and how it can enhance self-awareness and self-understanding. Included in the retreat price is twin accommodation and home-cooked meals.

Visit www.leyoga.com.au

Foundations Yoga retreat with Sunjay

15 Aug – 17 Aug

Foundations Yoga Retreat covers the fundamental principles of physical and mental yogic practice suitable for beginners and those more experienced yogis.

This retreat is being held at the stunning Amarant Retreat in the the Yarra Valley, just outside Melbourne, and will include:

•  Foundations of Yoga – Patanjali 8 Limbs

•  Vinyasa Yoga •  Pranayama

•  Ayurvedic Vegetarian Meals

•  Still and Active Meditation

Visit yogasunjayretreats.com for more information

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