Autumn brings up more opportunities for self-care
With autumn comes lower temperatures, more wind, and shorter days.
Most people have the tendency to stay at home more, move inwards, and give increased time for reflection. Some are feeling low and unmotivated. Others think autumn is cozy and chill. And some further think autumn is stressful when you suddenly follow a calendar again.
Down and low?
Due to the ayurvedic tradition, the element of air increases during fall and winter (depending on what part of the world you live in though). The element of air and space is the Vata dosha, which stands for kinetic energy. In balance, the Vata dosha is enthusiastic and inspiring, has a lot of ideas and creativity, and is sensitive.
An imbalance occurs when you have too much of any of the doshas, too much of the qualities of a particular element. In ayurvedic terms, to have good health and high well-being you need to be in balance, in all parts of your being.
Out of balance, the Vata dosha can be shown as;
Vata out of balance
🤯 too many, and irregular thoughts
🥶 cold and easily freezes
🌵dry skin, hair, nails, and eyes
🧻 difficulty going to the toilet, having a hard and swollen belly
🛌🏼 poor or light sleep (waking up around 2.30 am)
🥴 over-emotional or overwhelmed
With self-care you can stay balanced and enjoy autumn with its beauty;
🧘🏼♂️ meditate morning and evening
🍴 eat and drink warm (yes, even your water should be warm)
🪔 warm oil-massage
🥙 add ghee to a meal or two
⏳ eat at regular times, drink warm water
⏰ shot down stimuli two hours before sleep
⏰ sleep at 10 pm
🧘🏼♂️ practice Yin yoga
When autumn comes, vata increases in the atmosphere. The shift between two seasons itself increases the Vata dosha. Colder weather and more wind can easily get your vata out of balance, especially if you have dominance in this dosha.
Of importance is that the Vata dosha stands for life-changing functions in you, such as your breath, circulation, nerve impulses, and elimination. Therefore is it very important to have the Vata dosha in balance as much and often as possible.
Let the fall embrace you with its beauty in colors
Taking time to be grounded, and practicing more calming yoga, such as Yin yoga and meditation, are key activities to keep your vata in balance. Add to that, regularity in your daily routines, eat and drink warm and do not make too many bookings in your calendar or, even worse, on post-it notes.