Our lives, much like nature, move in seasons. There are Summers for action, activity, and growth, and Winters for quietude, stillness, and healing. Each phase is equally important and relevant (like Yin and Yang), in order to live a balanced, harmonious life.

Each season brings some common and predictable patterns that can affect our health. For example, as we move from summer into autumn we may see the ‘winter blues’ starting to creep in and an irregularity in digestion as a result of the seasonal change in diet. Understanding why these patterns occur can help us to develop strategies against these seasonal tendencies and therefore maintain maximum wellbeing.

Light therapy — which involves sitting close to a special light source every morning for at least 30 minutes — can help improve SAD. But many people don't realize that this therapy can also be effective for major depression and depression that occurs during or after pregnancy, known as perinatal depression.

A simple and approachable way to nourish yourself during the colder months is to shift your eating habits and incorporate specific foods into your diet. You can also use these tips any time of the year when you are wanting to give your Lungs/Large Intestine some extra loving.

Align and adjust your life, yoga and meditation practice with the seasonal changes by tuning in with the intrinsic powers of the 5 element system used in Taoist practices. We, human beings, are a biochemical formation of atoms, molecules, and cells. Within the deepest fibres of our body we share the same atomic footprint as our surrounding nature.

Always learning new things, and staying busy with friends and favorite activities — is exactly what the experts say can help keep our thinking skills sharp. "Cognitive and social engagement have been shown to be protective against cognitive decline, whereas hearing loss, depression, and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline," says Dr. Kathryn Papp, a neuropsychologist and instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School.

On average, how many hours do you sleep each night? For most healthy adults, guidelines suggest at least seven hours of slumber. But these are general recommendations and not strict rules. "Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more," says Eric Zhou with the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Being apart of the yoga world can make you become more connected with your thoughts and actions. When you practice yoga you create a stronger core, back, and mind. This strength that your body creates not only becomes apart of us physically but also mentally, allowing you to trust yourself in times of need.

Are you guilty of thinking that Reformer Pilates is just for people who don’t like the gym or cardio, or that it’s the same as Yoga, or even perhaps that it’s only good for rehab? You’re not alone — and we need to put you back on the right track.

Good habits tend to go out the window during the holidays. We’re all guilty of splurging more than we planned on gifts, having an extra cocktail during the festivities, sneaking a few cookies before Santa arrives and (most of all) putting the brakes on our workout routine.

If you have been wondering if you should give up alcohol whilst taking on your new health kick, you need not to. Unless you are on a complete clean eating or detox program a glass of red wine can compliment your yoga and Pilates program.