Ayurveda in Winter: Your Guide to Staying Balanced and Energized
Winter has arrived, bringing early nights, crisp air, and, let’s face it, some challenges for your body and mind.
Ayurveda—the ancient Indian science of life—offers a timeless approach to staying balanced and vibrant during the colder months.
With winter’s chill ruled by Kapha and Vata doshas (think cold, dry, and heavy energies), these simple Ayurvedic tips can help you stay grounded and glowing all season long.
Warm Up with Nourishing Comfort Foods 🍲
Winter is the perfect excuse to indulge in grounding, hearty meals. Think warm soups, stews, creamy porridges, and dals, spiced with digestion-friendly ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Avoid cold, raw foods like salads and ice cold beverages—they can intensify winter’s dryness and leave you feeling anxious, constipated, cold, and dry.
Stay Hydrated 💦
Hydration doesn’t take a holiday in winter! Water can be hard to drink in the winter and might feel heavy so ayurveda recommends boiling the water before consumption. Boiled water is believed to have therapeutic benefits like supporting digestion, boosting circulation, and detoxification. A friendly reminder to allow the water to cool down until it's warm and drinkable. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon and lime.
Pamper Your Skin and Body 🧴
Combat the effects of winter’s dry air with one of my favorite Ayurvedic indulgence known as Abhyanga. A warm oil massage (try sesame or almond oil) before your shower will leave your skin soft and your circulation humming. Don’t forget to layer up and protect your head, neck, ears, hands, and feet from the cold!
Embrace the Season ☃️
Winter invites a slower pace—lean into it. It’s a time to reflect and recharge. Spend time in natural sunlight, practice meditation, and try one of our restorative classes at Down Under Yoga like Relax and Renew or Flow and Restore. As for exercise, consider adding yoga, strength training, and brisk walking to your repertoire.
Boost Your Immunity Naturally 🍯
Keep your defenses strong with Ayurvedic herbs and immune boosting golden milk, a soothing blend of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, and warm milk—it’s the ultimate winter wellness ritual for every age.
Stay warm, stay well, and savor the season for this too shall pass!
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