Ayurvedic Approach to Winter

 

Winter is right around the corner and according to Ayurveda you want to start prepping your body for the winter season now. There are many ways to do so and below are some of the top ways Ayurvedically speaking.

Keep your agni high

Your agni is your digestion so you want to make sure you are eating warm, moist foods that are easier to digest. You want to have regular bowel movements and a steady fire burning to help remove ama (toxins) through what you eat.

 

Sip on warm tea or water throughout the day

This helps keep the body warm. I love to have a combination of fresh herbs around as well as tea bags with my favorite teas. I love the Numi brand tea. 

 

Take a warm bath

In Ayurveda opposites heal. If it is cold outside making sure you warm up with a nice delicious warm epsom salt bath in the evening is a perfect way to wind down before bed. Especially if you're a vata dosha or prone to getting cold hands and feet!

Go to bed between 9-10pm

Trying to get to bed early in the winter season is key to staying grounded all season long. It starts to get darker earlier and it's a great idea to have burlap lights around your house, or candles, a fireplace going if you have one. This helps signal to the body it's time to start winding down and will hopefully help you get to sleep a little quicker.

 

Dress in layers

It's cold outside so make sure you cover your ears. Vata dosha lives in the ears, so when the wind is strong it's time to cover them up. This helps you stay grounded and warm as you enjoy your time outside.

 

Avoid raw & cold foods

This circles back to the digestion. When it's cold outside it makes it harder for our bodies to digest the uncooked or raw foods. Instead enjoy warm soups, stews, and cooked vegetables. They can help keep the body flowing and going

 

Give yourself a massage every morning

In Ayurveda a daily self-massage helps you increase your circulation in the body. It helps you ground the vata dosha, it helps you bring awareness to your body. How is it feeling today? Is your skin dry, oily, rough, red? Notice what is going on instead of flowing to your next action of the day.

 

Be a homebody

Yes, winter is a good time to stay home. Often the holidays can bring us to over scheduling ourselves. When sometimes we just want a night at home. Be with yourself and notice what you need, what your body is craving, how you want to show up this winter season. Sometimes we get addicted to the external and forget to show up for ourselves during this time of the year.

 

Move your body in a nourishing way

How can you move your body in a way that will feel good to you? That is always a good question to ask yourself when you start your day.

 

Enjoy golden milk before bed

Enjoy a yummy cup of golden milk before bed! Below is a yummy recipe to help you sleep a bit better vs a glass of wine.