Ayurvedic Tips for Late Fall & Early Winter
Have you ever noticed that as the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, you find yourself flightier than ever. I always feel like I am flying aimlessly from one thing to the next, trying to fit it all in without losing my mind. Ayurvedic teachings explain that this feeling and imbalance is due to this season being governed by the Vata Dosha (for more info about yoga's sister science, stay tuned for an upcoming workshop in early 2017).
Thriving Through Vata Season
With the Vata season comes dry, cold, and dark days which can make us feel incredibly imbalanced. So here are my three tips to help keep us grounded during the late Fall/Early Winter:
Establish A Morning Routine
Wake up at the same time every day (preferably before the sun) and have warm lemon water. Then take at least 5 minutes to yourself: sun salutations, pranayama, mindful meditation, or journaling. This simple act will leave you feeling grounded amongst the chaos of the season. (By the way- there is nothing better than our early morning classes to set the tone for your day- 6am Rise, Align, and Shine Mon, Wed, and Fri)
Dry Brushing
This time of year, our skin is especially dry and in need of detoxification. To rid the body of dead skin cells, open pores, stimulate the lymphatic system, and encourage circulation, Ayurveda suggests dry brushing before you take a shower or bath. Start with the feet and work your way up. Long strokes toward the heart.
Practice Grounding Yoga Poses
Practice postures that activate your Root Chakra: seated poses, yogi squat, and Child's pose. These poses will help you stay physically grounded and rooted in the midst of our fast paced world. For more info on the Root Chakra and Chakras in general, keep your eyes out for upcoming Chakra workshops where we will dive into the chakra system and understand how we can balance our chakras in order to balance our lives!
I hope these simple tips help you stay grounded during this season.
Remember, yogis, you hold the key to your personal health and wellbeing. We are here to guide you and make suggestions, but ultimately, it's up to you to make a commitment to physical, mental, and emotional health. Don't let the holidays get the best of you- SEE YOU ON THE MAT!
Cheers and Namaste,
Alee