Ayurvedic Winter Tips
In the Northern Hemisphere today is the first day of winter. Of course, the pitta in me LOVES winter. This season is so magical - especially when it snows! But even without the snow, I find the crisp air refreshing, and I appreciate the extended hours of darkness, the chance to slow down and hibernate, and evenings cozy on the couch with a book and a blanket. There’s a sense of stillness that accompanies winter. But winter can be harsh to our systems - especially those that are more vata or kapha predominant. By embracing the natural cycles of nature, and learning to live in harmony with these rhythms our wellbeing can be bolstered even as the days grow colder and darker.
Early in winter we are still in the vata season, and as winter progresses we enter a more kaphic stage. So, to continue to thrive during this season we must employ both a vata and kapha pacifying lifestyle.
Maintaining a regular morning routine will continue to pacify the vata element of winter. My favorite elements of a morning routine are tongue scraping and nasal cleansing.
We can sleep in a little later (wake up around 7am), but should avoid daytime naps to prevent stagnation of kapha in the system.
Partake in daily movement. Indoor or outdoor exercise, and a more vigorous yoga practice will pacify kapha by building some warmth in the body - preferably in the morning before 10am.
Take time for intentional rest.
Eat a kapha pacifying diet of warm, cooked foods with healthy oils like ghee, and don’t skimp on adding flavor with spices, especially ginger, cinnamon, and clove.
Enjoy some masala chai.
Indulge in a nourishing self massage with warming sesame oil
Keep your head, neck, and ears covered when you are outdoors to support healthy function of the nervous system.
Maybe you’ll never love winter as much as I do, but by implementing a few simple lifestyle adjustments to pacify vata and kapha and tune into the seasonal rhythm you may come to appreciate the stillness of the season.
