My 3 Top Ayurveda Tips For Surviving Winter

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus

Some people love winter.   I’m not one of them.   From the irrational weather fluctuations in North Texas to the busy rush of the holidays and the lack of sunlight during this time of year, it takes a serious toll on my well-being. Dry skin, brittle nails,

According to Ayurveda, health and wellness depend on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Every person is made of five basic elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth and when any of these are out of balance it can wreak havoc in our lives.

There are some simple ways, however, to make winter the most wonderful time of the year:

1)   Slow down.    During winter, most things in nature are going dormant.   Plants have lost their leaves, animals are hibernating and even the sun takes a different position that results in shorter days and more darkness.   This is a signal for us to also “go in.”   It’s a great time to reflect, meditate and restore yourself mentally and physically.   Think quality over quantity.   Nourish your important relationships but balance socializing with quiet time and stillness.

2) Eat nutrient dense warm foods and beverages.  Stick to hearty but healthy meals cooked in nutrient-rich oils and well spiced during winter time.   Your body needs more fuel this time of year to stay warm and function optimally.   Choose spinach, lentils, carrots with seasonings like garlic, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne. Soups are a great comfort! Warm teas with cinnamon, ginger and coriander seed will help keep digestion in check.   It’s also a good time to incorporate a water or juice fast to detox and reset. Avoid ice cold and frozen beverages during winter.

3) Self-care.  Keeping your routine is critical always, especially in winter.   Exercise in the morning if possible. If you are feeling stressed, choose gentle workouts like walking and tai chi.   If you are feeling lethargic, try something vigorous like a bike ride or jog.   Yoga is great for creating balance and you can choose rigorous or gentle options as needed.   Deep breathing techniques are very beneficial as well like Kumbhaka Pranayama (breath retention) and ) Before bedtime, try using sesame oil on your body to help with dry skin, nails, and even hair.

The important thing to remember is that everything is connected through the elements.   We are comprised of the same elements in nature and as the seasons change, so do we.   It’s important to follow nature’s lead to stay in balance the whole year long.