Six ways to love the Winter

For most of us, thoughts of dark nights and cold days are more than a little gloomy. Yet, as yoga philosophy telld us, resisting something - in this case, the Winter - we have no control over only brings us pain (ahimsa). So why not actively embrace the coming Winter - accepting the ups and downs of this Season, and opening up to its possibilities, rather than closing up against it?

Here are our tips to love the Winter:

Plan your Winter reading list. Long, dark evenings can test the sunniest of souls. Turn them to your advantage by lighting some candles, turning the phone off and curling up with that book you've been meaning to read for years.

Rise with the light. Shorter daylight hours needn't mean becoming a hermit. Many of us are deficient in Vitamin D, partly due to our indoor lifestyles. Set the alarm clock for 6.30 or 7am, and go out for a walk or run before work. Do the same at lunch-time, maximising the available sunshine and daylight.

Exercise! Just 15 or 20 minutes' brisk exercise can make a huge difference to your mood, especially if you head for a park. In the evening, light a candle and take to the yoga mat. Practising yoga and meditation has been found to raise seretonin levels, and other neurotransmitters linked to depression.

Eat and cook well. Now is the perfect time to cook and bake for yourself and friends! Dinner parties with good friends are one of life's joys, and what better time to escape January blues than to arrange your social diary! At this time of year, think vegetables and pasta, rice and stews. Home-made banana muffins and Sivanana cookies are quick, delicious and simple - and make a tasty, reasonably nutritious brunch, afternoon snack or dessert. 

Book a retreat. Retreats are a wonderful way to invest time in your wellbeing. You will usually be served fabulous, healthy homemade veggie food, and meet like-minded people. Best of all, you can go on your own! If time and money preclude chasing the sun and going long haul, stay at home. For ideas, check out YA Retreats (with retreats to Morocco, for Winter sun, France and the UK) or Wellbeing Escapes. If money is tight, plan your own, free, home-based retreat!

Treat yourself to a massage! A good massage will leave you feeling both energised and relaxed, while helping to restore poor circulation. A massage can also help with insomnia and anxiety - a very worthwhile way to spend £25 or £30.