When the sun shines, so do the people, but the opposite can also be true, and after the emotional high of the holiday season, many people may be feeling as down as the weather.

The Yoga Farm is offering a reprieve from the stress and anxiety of life this Saturday, Jan. 19. From 1 to 3 p.m., participants can engage in light-hearted fun and relaxing yoga exercises.

Carrie Maggard, one of the owners of the farm, said this time of year is full of seasonal anxiety.

“Some people have seasonal affective disorder, which is affected by the dreary weather,” Maggard said. “This includes winter, with all the trees dying and the weather being what it is.”

As a result, she said people often need a chance to let out that stress and just have fun.

“It can be a hard time of the year,” she said. “This is a chance for people to simply enjoy themselves.”

The stress-relieving activities planned for Saturday are part of a larger program the farm puts together. Maggard said they try to host a special event once a month to get people involved, whether that involves relaxation events like this or events with specific themes, like “heart-opening” exercises in February near Valentine’s Day.

She said she wants the event to be as relaxing as possible.

“We want people yawning during this,” Maggard said.

The farm has been in operation for a little over a year at this point, and its goals are more than just a place to do yoga.

“Many places, you rush to the yoga studio, do yoga, and then rush out,” Maggard said.

Instead, she said the Yoga Farm has much more to offer. It features a community garden for people to tend, and many families call asking if they can take family photos there because of the scenery.

“We even started a walking trail recently,” Maggard said. “Once the weather lets up, we plan to add wood chips to it.”

In summary, Maggard described the Yoga Farm as a way to give back to the community.

“We want to raise awareness for wellness,” she said. “Even meditating on a walk can calm the body.”

The classes are available for anyone who wants to participate or simply see what yoga is all about. There are classes on every day except Fridays.

Those interested can call the Yoga Farm at 423-542-6922 or they can simply drive up to the farm at 265 Slagle Road.

“We want to bring a little sunshine for the season,” Maggard said. “Even though the weather is dreary, it can also be a happy time, too.”