Ayurveda, also known as 'the science about life' has been gaining more and more popularity over the last decade. Of course, it has been known and practiced in the Eastern countries for thousands of years, so this holistic knowledge is new only to westerners. Ayurveda looks at human beings as a whole, including their lifestyle, sleeping regimen, workload, habits, diet, and much more. According to this ancient knowledge, everything is interconnected and you can lead a truly healthy and happy life when all aspects of your life are in balance.
Autumn is the time of transition from warm temperatures to colder ones, which makes our bodies adapt to those climatic changes. Some people adapt easily, while others need an immunity boost and a few lifestyle improvements to make this transition go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few Ayurvedic tips that will help prepare your body for the colder season.
Warm Up Your Body in the Morning
We all know that exercises are beneficial for out bodies, but they are even more crucial for our well-being during the slightly colder months. Start your day with a few gentle rounds of Surya Namaskar, do a few yoga poses to warm up your joints, go for a walk, or even for a short run if you like that kind of cardio. It's most important to listen to your body's needs and act according to them. You might not want do a heavy workout session, but stretching will make you feel alive and ready for the day.
Choose Warming Foods
This might seem like a very obvious thing, but having warming foods during the chilling months will keep your body energized, all the while boosting your immune system. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, parsnip, beetroot, squash, apples, figs, pears, plums, and feijoa. These seasonal foods might differ depending on the country you're living in. Prepare warm stews, bake nutritious pies, and make yummy cream soups that will keep you warm and satiated throughout the day.
Use Spices
Ayurveda loves spices as they are a very important instrument to keep your digestive fire (agni) going. When we experience problems with digestive fire it impacts our whole body, mental well-being, and energy levels. Use warming spices like cloves, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon when preparing your meals and drinks. Autumn is the best time to drink spice-infused teas, especially the ones you brew with turmeric and freshly grated ginger.
Balance Your Mind
After relatively lazy hot summer days, autumn comes with gusts of fresh air and more activity than ever before. It's a high-paced season and it demands a lot of activity and focus. But all that comes at a price and it's easy to feel stressed with so much going on around you. That's why Ayurveda recommends taking things slowly and build a steady routine that will take you through the busy autumn months. It's good to start your day with slow yoga or meditation (or both) to mentally prepare yourself for the day. Focus on slow breathing techniques and different types of pranayama to balance your mind and body. Go for slow walks in the sun and choose a few slow-paced hobbies that will help you relax. Autumn is definitely the time to enjoy yourself!
