Sunlight exposure affects wellbeing, and Huskisson Yoga instructor Mary Baseler adapts her classes accordingly.

“We’ve come into a lot of darkness,”  Mrs Baseler said.

“We process a lot of stuff through those dark times.

“Solstice is going to be a big celebration, we’ve processed a lot, it’s time to come into the light and start changing that into a positive way of life.”

It’s the best time of year to turn negative thoughts into positive actions according to Mrs Baseler.

“On the shortest day of the year, we look towards the light and let go of limiting beliefs,” she said.

“What winter solstice really means is intention-setting.

“Instead of saying, ‘I feel fat, tired and lethargic,’ think of three words you want to feel, like energetic, strong and fit. It might feel fake to begin with but after a while it becomes your reality.”

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Yoga classes have been focused on working certain body parts that need more attention during the cooler months.

“This time of the year, we get really stuck, we lounge more,” Mrs Baseler said.

“We believe any big emotions you’re experiencing are going into your hips, so we do strengthening, long poses.

“As soon as you start moving your hips, you can start to work through your emotions.

“Yogis have believed for years the gut has a lot to do with disease, it’s important to get stomach moving, with stretching and twists.”

Her studio overlooks the water in Jervis Bay, and the floor to ceiling windows take advantage of the view.

“It’s full of light,” Mrs Baseler said.

“When you look at the water it has a calming effect.”