Do you find yourself a little down lately? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. Perhaps you feel like the changing weather is affecting your mood. While seasonal depression is an issue that affects many people, there may be another explanation for your changing moods.

　　Your root chakra is the first of the seven main chakras. It is associated with earthly qualities, as well as a sense of safety or security, when properly balanced. When your root chakra is out of alignment, however, it can cause feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and even a sense of loss or wandering.

　　You feel like your head is lost in the clouds, without that connection to the earth beneath your feet. Additionally, when we lose our grounded connection to Mother Earth, we are more likely to feed into our ego, forgetting about the world around us.

　　When one chakra is unbalanced, it can have a jostling effect on the surrounding chakras. One misplaced chakra can dislodge the position of the neighboring chakras, causing anxiety, stress and even depression.

　　Properly aligning your chakras is an often overlooked, yet important practice, to maintain balance and focus. When you learn to get your chakras back in order, you’ll find you have more energy, and more peace.

　　There are many ways to find the balance and get your chakras aligned. Chakra-beneficial activities can serve to brighten your mood in many ways, in addition to complimenting each other and maintaining the balance simultaneously.

　　Yoga is one of the most effective solutions for balancing mind, body and soul. Certain poses can work to connect you with the earth, as well as balancing other chakras. Try poses like the variations of warrior pose, mountain pose and tree poses.

　　Any yogic activity will serve to balance yourself, including the chakras. Yoga is so beneficial, in so many ways, that there seems to be no reason to pass up the opportunity.

　　The root chakra is represented by the color red, so try envisioning deep hues of crimson, or even painting a picture using these colors. Light a red candle and focus your vision on it, or wear a bright, autumnal sweater.

　　Dancing can be an excellent medium for balancing the root chakra, by connecting your feet with the earth and your heart with the rhythm. You don’t have to be around anyone, if you aren’t comfortable dancing in public, just put on some music at home and dance to the beat.

　　Going for a walk outside is a great way to not only get some exercise, but to ground you and put you at peace with nature. Remain mindful and take in the surroundings. Focus on your feet as they connect with the earth, and melt your heart toward everything around you.

　　Additionally, connecting with yourself and your passions can help you find inner balance. Carve out a moment each day to do something that you love to do, be it painting, writing, playing an instrument or reading a book. In our busy, hectic lives, we often forget to do things we enjoy, simply for the joy of them.

　　We feel we must be productive at all times, sure never to waste any precious time. Doing things for yourself, however, will re-ignite your spark for life, giving you energy to take care of the tasks that you feel less passionately about. To be able to help anyone in life, you must be able to help yourself.

　　Balancing your root chakra will alleviate some of those darker, anxious feelings, leaving you relaxed and balanced.

　　Related Article: 7 Ways Blocked Chakras Are Messing Up Your Life