The Christmas carousel is for many a moment of magic that tightens the connections between people, be they family, friends or just acquaintances. The atmosphere is charged and glittering, pervaded by an ineffable sense of pleasant expectation.
If this is the culturally predominant vision of the party, we do not want to forget all those who, for the most varied reasons, are not carried away by the floating happiness that surrounds us.
In fact, the pain of this time of year seems to become a bit more acute perhaps in comparison with the joy that society demands. We feel inadequate, separated, unstuck from the world that is trotting around us.
Well, this article wants to stop the carousel for a moment and dedicate itself to all those who, we would dare to say "despite" Christmas, feel the weight of sadness, pain and depression weighing on their shoulders.
Small yogic ideas to counter the "Christmas Effect", the Christmas sadness
We have dealt extensively with the link between yoga and depression (mild); now we want to offer you a more practical perspective on the matter by pointing out some asanas to cultivate if your mood falters : obviously we are not referring to a "curative" position because it would not be the approach of yoga, but to a series of reflections that, wish we could give you a hand.
Opening and extension positions
The great yoga master Iyengar used to insist on the connection between posture and mood during his lessons. Thus, in the case of depression or sadness, one should concentrate on the asanas that compensate for the typical posture of closure and killing, with the chest closed and folded back on itself.
For this purpose, wide openings and chest expansion ! The most recommended positions are, for example:
the position of the sphinx
the position of the cobra,
the camel position.
The position of the corpse
A position that in the case of a gray mood should never be neglected is savasana, the position of the corpse : it is indeed very precious to relax the body in every deepest and most remote part and be able to breathe - symbolically - when we feel suffocated by intrusive thoughts, devaluing, annihilating.
To amplify the effects, we advise you to rely on guided relaxation files that are very easy to find on the net, even on youtube: they will make your relaxation more profound and satisfying.
Discover all the relaxation yoga positions
Greeting to the sun
From an ayurvedic point of view, depression arises from an imbalance in the dosha kapha. To act on it it is possible to opt for a vitalizing practice characterized by some energetic salutation to the sun .
Without exaggerating, establishing this habit in the morning (if possible) will help you to face the day with an extra gear both physically and mentally.
Pranayama
We invite you to never neglect the quality of your breath and to include pranayama (breath control) sessions in your daily practice as well.
We suggest you concentrate on the diaphragmatic type of breath, which is useful for relaxing and softening the abdomen: if you have never practiced it, try to lie down and simply concentrate on the navel that goes up and down to the rhythm of the breath; in inspiration, the navel rises, in exhalation, the navel descends.
It may not succeed immediately in a natural way, so practice until it becomes a pleasant abdominal massage, relaxing for the body and mind.
