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Stretch into Fall: How Yoga Helps with Seasonal Shifts 🍂

Oct 9, 2024

3 min read

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As the long, sunny days of summer give way to the crispness of fall, you might notice your body feels... different. Maybe your joints start creaking like the front door in a Halloween movie, or your energy levels dip with the earlier sunsets. And let’s not even get started on daylight savings time, where we “gain” an hour, but somehow lose our ability to function normally. If you’re feeling this seasonal shift, don't worry—you're not alone. Let's dive into how these changes affect us and how yoga can help.


The Seasonal Shift: Summer to Fall

Remember those endless summer days when the sun was up before you even had your first sip of coffee? Fall says, “Nope, I’m taking the reins now,” and suddenly, it’s dark by 5:30 PM. This change in daylight can mess with our internal clocks, leaving us feeling groggy in the morning and ready for bed way too early in the evening.


Physically, the cooler weather might make your body feel tighter, especially in areas like the hips and hamstrings. The heat of summer kept our muscles loose and limber, but as temps drop, so does our flexibility. It’s as if your body knows hibernation season is coming and decides to stiffen up in solidarity with the bears.


Daylight Savings: Blessing or Curse?

Ah, the great "fall back" of daylight savings. We all love that extra hour of sleep—at least for a day. Then, suddenly, you’re waking up at 4:30 AM, ready to start your day like a confused rooster. Your body’s circadian rhythm doesn’t adjust instantly to the new schedule, leaving you feeling a little off-kilter for a week or so.


Shorter days can also impact your mood. Less sunlight means less vitamin D, which can lead to the dreaded seasonal blues. The days are shorter, but it feels like there’s less time to get anything done—who knew one hour could throw us for such a loop?


How Yoga Can Help

So, how do we fight back against the forces of nature? It's not a pumpkin spice latte, althouth that's a comfort to many. It's - you guessed it - yoga. Not only can yoga help stretch out those tight muscles that come with cooler weather, but it can also help reset your internal clock and boost your mood.


1. Move Your Body, Stretch Your Mind

Fall is the perfect time to focus on slow, intentional yoga practices that help open up those stiff joints. Poses like low lunges for the hips or seated forward folds for the hamstrings are a great way to maintain your flexibility. Throw in a few twists to keep your spine limber, and you’ll be moving as gracefully as you did back in July (or close enough).


2. Get Grounded

As everything around you starts to shift, grounding poses like tree pose or mountain pose help you stay balanced—literally and figuratively. These poses encourage stability, which is essential when you’re feeling a little off, due to the time change or shorter days. And hey, if your balance is a bit wobbly, just laugh it off! It’s all part of the process.


3. Breathe in the Season

Breathwork, or pranayama, can work wonders for that sluggish feeling you get from less sunlight. Try alternate nostril breathing or deep belly breaths to refresh your energy and help you adjust to the seasonal transition. Plus, it’s a great way to slow down and enjoy the peaceful vibe of autumn.


4. Boost Your Mood

Feeling a bit down with the darker days? Yoga helps boost endorphins, lifting your mood and giving you that post-practice glow. A good sun salutation flow can mimic the warmth of those summer rays (in spirit, at least) and keep your spirits high even as the days grow shorter.



Embrace the Change

Fall is all about change—letting go of what’s no longer needed and preparing for the quieter, restful season ahead. With yoga, you can ease into this transition, keeping your body flexible, your mind balanced, and your mood lifted. Who says you can’t flow into fall with grace?


So, if you’re feeling the effects of the season, grab your mat, light a candle, and give your body the time it needs to adjust. Before you know it, you’ll be welcoming the crispness of autumn with open arms (and maybe even a perfectly balanced tree pose).


Happy fall, yogis! 🍂


Ready for a good stretch and some fall decor? Join me on YouTube for a 30-minute Stretch into Fall practice that’ll have you feeling looser and ready to take on your day!



Oct 9, 2024

3 min read

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13

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