Yoga as a Winter Reset

As the days get shorter and darker, it can be hard to find motivation to get out of the comfort of our homes. Between classes, exams, work and anything else going on in a college student's life, the last thing we want to do is be active. It's easier to get in a routine and move from one obligation to another. Getting outside and moving our bodies is way less appealing. Sometimes the cold is not the hardest part of winter; instead, it's the change of energy throughout the season.

Perhaps a more appealing activity during the winter doesn't mean completely altering your day. Finding a way for you to completely relax and do something for yourself when times feel stressful is always a good option. Yoga is an excellent way to get your body moving when the outdoors feels unattractive to our already overwhelmed selves.

Yoga combines movement, balance, flexibility and strength to assist you in creating a practice specific to you. A beautiful part of yoga is the many types of classes you can choose. It is not a competition of being the most flexible or even experienced; rather, it’s a chance to connect your body and mind. Some studios or classes are offered in heated rooms. Of course, it sounds incredible to recharge in a room that is 85 degrees when outside it is -10.

Yoga is more than just a form of physical movement. It allows us to reconnect with our souls. As college students, we struggle to balance everything life throws at us, leaving us little time to focus on our well-being. Taking one hour from our days to practice yoga can give our body and soul a much-needed break. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to step away when your mind is focused on the ongoing to-do list. However, yoga encourages us to slow down, focus on the present and find a sense of calm. As a yoga instructor myself, I may be biased, but I believe having something to look forward to during the winter slump can make a difference. You may not be able to control the weather, your workload or how busy your week gets, but you can make time for yourself.

We can't make Fargo winters any shorter, but we can find ways to make them feel a little less draining. Sometimes, a reset doesn't require a big change. That doesn't mean reinventing yourself or suddenly loving a 5 a.m. workout. It just requires showing up for yourself, one hour at a time. Joining a yoga class allows you to be around other people while emphasizing that each person works at their own level. Luckily, there are plenty of yoga studios in Fargo that offer different classes and environments, making it easy to find one that fits your schedule and comfort level. Resetting doesn't even need to be yoga (this is my favorite form, and I highly recommend it), but I encourage you to find something that feels right for you.