5 Ways to Rock Your Natural Rhythms!

We have all heard of, or maybe even experienced, the tick-tock of our biological clock. Most often referred to by women as a time when we are hearing the faint whisper, or maybe loud scream, from our inner world telling us it is time to get on with procreation. However, this ‘clock’ exists for many more reasons than simply procreation. All living organisms—plants, animals, mammals, even fungi—are ruled by rhythms. They ultimately determine our eating and sleeping patterns, body temperature, biological activities, and most significantly for women, our hormone production.

In actuality, the tick-tock is governed by the ‘Mother Clock,’ our circadian clock. It oversees all our internal rhythms, and is located in the brain, hidden deep within the hypothalamus. When our natural rhythm is disrupted it can have a negative effect. In travel this ‘disruption’ is called jetlag—fatigue, insomnia, disorientation, or constipation. I travel so much that jetlag was quickly becoming my natural rhythm, so I decided to start researching and studying how I could feel ‘back to normal’ using what I already know—yoga!

A number of health problems can result when our circadian rhythms are out of whack as well, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), obesity, diabetes, and sleep disorders like insomnia. If we don’t take the time to observe and honor our natural rhythms, we might experience mild depression, feel tired a lot, gain weight for no apparent reason, restless sleep or inability to fall asleep, the dreaded constipation, or maybe feel like you are living on an emotional rollercoaster. This is because hormones run not only our bodies, but our brains too. The hypothalamus is in charge of regulating our hormones, so when they are in a state of imbalance our natural rhythms are naturally going to be impacted as well.

The good news is we can use yoga to help us keep the ‘Mother clock’ running efficiently. The following steps will help you to feel more energized, rested, and alert, and can also help you stay healthy, happy, and balanced.

4am-9am—Passion Time!

Enjoy ten minutes when you first wake up to bond with the Divine by meditating or praying. It’s during these hours when we have the sharpest rise in our blood pressure and oxytocin levels, so we organically feel more connected. Not only will we feel more connected, but meditation helps stabilize blood pressure levels. End with a gentle laying twist holding each side for 5-10 breaths tostimulate your intestines. Better than coffee, this will get your bowels moving. Around 8:30am is when we are meant to be physically ‘letting go’.

9am-Noon—Creativity Time!

According to circadian rhythm research, this time frame is a period of heightened creativity and when cortisol levels increase. Relish a few long, deep breaths inMountain Pose with arms overhead to help awaken your whole body and relieve any remaining stiffness in your shoulders and back. Afterwards, breathe a few deep breaths in Tree Pose on each side to stimulate your creative juices energetically stored in the hip area, or second chakra, and cultivate balance.

11am-2pm—Action Time!

This is the time of day when we are meant to be at our peak energetically, although more often than not, most women are starting to fizzle out. Try practicing 8-10 rounds of Sun Salutations at some point, holding downward dog for 5-8 breaths each round. Downward Dog is a gentle inversion that helps balance your hypothalamus. Furthermore, the sequencing of backbends and forward bends will help you energize and invigorate your entire body and calm your mind so you can take on all your afternoon tasks with focus and ease.

2pm- 6pm—Turn Your World Upside Down Time!

Regardless of age, our rhythms cause us to feel a dip in energy during this time of day. Napping is actually not the best practice for us Westerners. What can be better than a nap you ask? Practicing an inversion! Instead of another cuppa Joe to get your brain energized try Shoulderstand. This pose soothes your nerves, calms your mind, and brings a renewed sense of strength and resolve. It can also help you with digestion and assimilation of your lunch by improving your thyroid and parathyroid function. Inversions also balance the endocrine system and stabilize our emotions. Women should leave this out during menses and instead practice Legs Up the Wall pose, to receive some of the same benefits without the pressure on the uterus.

6pm – 9pm—Rest and Digest Time!

After eating an early meal, it’s time to let the digestive system rest and melatonin levels rise. So skip the late night snacks and ensure a good night’s sleep by taking a few minutes for yourself in Wisdom pose (Wide Leg Child’s pose). Bring your hands together in front of you in prayer (Anjali) mudra. Offer up any of your stress or  tension from the day, releasing it from both body and mind. Use a few deep inhales to invite in five things you are grateful for that day. Recent studies show that people who practice daily gratitude reported getting more sleep, spending less time awake before falling asleep and feeling more refreshed in the morning.

Find out more about Megan and Yogini Yoga at www.megancampbell.ca