Feel Good Norfolk gives winter well being tips

The dictionary definition of well being is "the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy."

Feel Good Norfolk Ltd is a community of wellbeing businesses, bringing local wellbeing products, services and experiences to those in need. 

Founder and Director, Sarah Groves, said: “Striving for awareness, affordability and accessibility, FGN brings together the expertise of local wellbeing practitioners to an online Feel Good Club who anyone can join in order to access knowledge of these experts for free.”

In this autumnal feature three of their movement practitioners, have come together to offer their guidance on how we can stay grounded and rooted during this season, nurturing our wellbeing like trees shedding their leaves in preparation for winter.

Katrina Zawawi – Kundalini Yoga (Website: kundalini-with-katrina.com)

As we flow through autumn, colours around us change, leaves fall from the trees.  The days get shorter in transition to winter.

What does this mean for us?  Kundalini Yoga Practitioner, Katrina Zawawi, explains "as in nature, this is also a transitional time for us.  It is time we shed old stories, old habits and old ways that keep us stuck. Doing so gives us new energy so we can manifest our dreams with ease.

Energies are a BIG part of who we are.  We pick up vibrations which are energies from others around; if we haven’t cleaned up our energetic system (chakras), then we will not only carry that burden with us into the seasons ahead, but it will have a continuous impact on our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health - affecting others around us too.

Clearing our energetic system during autumn is incredibly powerful.

We work with the change of season just as the trees change colour, preparing for the winter months ahead. 

It makes great sense to take this opportunity to shed the energies that don’t serve us.

Then we can step into our power and be opened to new opportunities that come our way, without our past jeopardising us."

How can this be done? "Through Kundalini yoga," confirms Katrina.

“This is a form of yoga that supports and strengthens the chakras.

By shaking away past traumas and stories; through vocalisations and breath work, and with repetitive movements to get you unstuck, you can manifest your dreams.”

Pip Raine - Breath Of Abundance (website: pipraine.com) 

As we transition into the colder months, "it’s a great time to go a little deeper within, to a space where we can really hear our bodies speaking to us," says Pip Raine, Breathwork and Expressive Movement/Dance Facilitator. 

"And in this space where we can feel a sense of clarity, of what we need to shed and let go of (just like the falling leaves from the trees), here we surrender to the present and the simplicities that are all around us."

Movement supports our bodies and energy levels.

The colder temperature can cause us to contract and lethargy can become apparent. When we keep moving come rain or shine, we keep the consistent energy motion in and around our bodies in a better condition.

Autumn gives us a nudge to start slowing the motion down a little, like the cycles of the seasons.

Pip said: "There is a time and place for every part of our being to naturally do what the body needs to do eg: this time of year - segueing from the summer fiery energy, into a season of letting go, and listening to the more introverted part of us, that is harvesting and prepping for the winter.

"Mindfully breathing with movement/dance, notice how different you feel as the nights draw in darker and the winds of change encourage a gentler way of being.

"By opening up to a freeform movement/dance, insights and light bulb moments may arise, for you to be curious of what the body is wanting to express - enjoy!”

Jonathan Clarke – Rising Tide Yoga (instagram.com/risingtideyoga.uk)

As we move into the autumn, it is all the more important we keep the body moving consistently.

And as the weather gets colder, Yoga Practitioner Jonathan Clarke encourages that "we want to move in a way that keeps the joints, muscles and connective tissue supple and full of vitality.

Now is a good time to maintain those movement gains we made in the summer, as we transition into the darker, colder months.”

We can also take advantage of much more warming postures, such as closed twists- these could include twisted long-angles pose, or the seated spinal twist (after all, we are only as young as our spines!).

"These postures can embody the feeling of cosiness and stability, something that I am very fond of when if comes to this time of the year," explains Jonathan.

These also relate to the Manipura Chakra (located at the solar plexus), which represents the element of fire. "One could visualise a roaring fire whilst practising if they so wish."

And this leads us on to the mental health aspects.

With it being colder and darker, we often times don’t feel the motivation to move.

But with all the clear science, movement has a profound impact on our brains and mood.

It’s one of the most potent tools we have, and could be particularly useful for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

"Whatever movement you practice, keep on doing it, and enjoy the stability and joy it can bring."

Are you in search of a yoga therapist, movement class, or seeking inspiration for self-guided practices?

To access more tips around feeling good at this time of year you can join the Feel Good Club for free.  Just head to: www.feelgoodnorfolk.co.uk/feel-good-club and support your local wellbeing businesses.