Q – As the days grow shorter in October, we may experience a tendency towards mental fog or distraction. How can yoga and mindfulness practices help us maintain mental clarity and focus, even as the season invites us to slow down?

H. White, Leeds

A – The darkness and stillness of October can create a reflective, inward energy, which sometimes brings mental fog. To combat this, include practices that centre the mind. Meditation, with a focus on observing thoughts without attachment, can clear the mental clutter. Asanas like Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottansana) or Child’s Pose (Balasana) encourage introspection and stillness. Pranayama techniques, such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), can calm the mind and enhance concentration. Additionally, journaling or setting an intention for the month can help provide mental clarity, offering a sense of purpose as you move into the quieter months.