Healing Seasonal Affective Disorder
2 minute read
For those of you living in the North or the Pacific Northwest, there's a good chance you’ve experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This form of depression tends to sneak in around mid-autumn—when the sun weakens—and for many, it can linger well into spring, long after the days begin to lengthen again. SAD affects both mind and body, but what if we could support ourselves energetically through this seasonal challenge? One powerful way to do that is by working with our breath and our Navel Chakra.
Energetically speaking, the Navel Chakra plays a vital role in keeping our physical body strong, resilient, and full of life force—or prana. Located at the belly button (above what many refer to as the Sacral Chakra), this energy centre acts like a reservoir for vitality. By intentionally building and storing prana here through regular breathwork and practice, you strengthen your entire system. Over time, your body learns to draw on this reservoir—whether you’re recovering from illness, facing fatigue, or navigating seasonal emotional shifts like SAD. This is just one of the many ways this energy centre can support our healing and vitality through the darker months.
How to Build Up Your Life Force to Ward Off Seasonal Affective Disorder
This technique is best practised after meditation, a time when we naturally hold an abundance of prana in the aura. That being said, if you don’t meditate, the technique is still highly effective on its own.
You can do this exercise either sitting or standing. For this particular breathwork practice, avoid using any mudras or hand positions. If you’re seated, simply rest your hands on your knees with your palms facing upward.
TECHNIQUE: Start by bringing your awareness to your navel—the area around the belly button. (Note: the Navel Chakra is located at the belly button, just above what many refer to as the Sacral Chakra.) Begin to breathe deeply and naturally from the belly. Don’t worry about counting or holding the breath—just allow your breathing to flow in and out smoothly and evenly. Keep the body relaxed and comfortable. Let the breath be simple.
As you breathe, gently hold your awareness on the navel area. Continue like this for up to 10 minutes. If your energy feels especially low, this exercise can be done daily until your system begins to normalize. When energy levels have been depleted for a long time, the body may absorb prana very quickly at first—like a sponge—using it to heal, recharge, and restore balance. Be patient. It may take time to feel the full effects, but with regular practice, you’ll begin to notice more vitality and stability returning.
If you experience dizziness, discomfort, or pain while doing this exercise, stop and rest. Individuals with blood pressure conditions should approach this practice with extra caution.
Beyond breathwork, it’s also important to support your system in other key ways: get enough movement and exercise, prioritize quality rest, drink clean water, and nourish yourself with foods rich in prana—like fresh fruits, vegetables, and sprouts. If possible, increase your exposure to natural sunlight. If that’s not available, consider using a light therapy lamp in your home or workspace.
As the seasons shift, nurturing your inner energy becomes essential. This Navel Chakra breath practice is a gentle but powerful way to reconnect with your life force, restore balance, and build resilience.
If this resonates, try the practice daily for a week and notice how you feel. And if you’d like support along the way—through energy work, meditation, or coaching—I’d love to connect.
Let’s bring more light and energy into your life, no matter the season.
Eryn
