Prepare Yourself For A Vibrant Autumn
Have you had a busy summer? Feeling a little exhausted and ready for a slower pace, a routine?
My answer is – Yes! Yes! Yes!
I tend to fill my summers with too many activities and experiences, all of which are fun.
But now I need some TLC for my body, mind, and spirit. It’s time to reinvigorate oneself with self-care practices that will nourish and restore balance.
In Ayurveda, autumn is considered a transitional season and a great time to prepare our mind, body and heart for the upcoming colder winter months. It’s time to release the accumulated energy of pitta ( fire + water) and balance the energy of vata (fire +ether) that is dominant in autumn and early winter.
Ayurveda Promotes Prevention
Here are three key preventative self-care practices to help you find ease and balance.
Create A Daily Rhythm
Have you noticed how nature has a cycle and a rhythm? This consistent ebb and flow of energy in nature creates harmony. We are connected to nature and when we live our daily lives in sync with nature, we also feel the benefits.
Be consistent:
- Wake and sleep at the same time daily,
- Eat meals at the same time daily,
- Exercise at the same time daily,
- Enjoy your coffee/tea at the same time daily
Enjoy Fresh, Grounding, And Warming Seasonal Foods
You may have noticed at the farmers market or at the grocery store, an abundance of root vegetables that are available right now. Mother nature provides us the foods we need to balance the energy of vata dosha (air +ether)- light, dry, mobile, cold, and rough with foods that have the qualities of heavy, moist, slow, and smooth ( qualities of kapha dosha).
Foods that are grounding and abundant in autumn to balance vata dosha:
- Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets
- Whole grains such as oats, wheat, barley
- Warming spices-ginger, turmeric, garlic
- Warming herbs- basil, oregano, juniper berries, thyme
Enjoy warm, cooked, and lightly spiced meals. Avoid or minimize cold and raw foods that will increase vata dosha.
Invite Stillness Throughout Your Day
Vata dosha is the dominant energy of autumn. You may find yourself feeling eager to take on several new projects or even sign up for a 10K run. You are feeling the energy of vata dosha-movement. This is wonderful!
To prevent burnout, exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed, incorporate intentional stillness throughout your day:
- Upon waking, don’t rush out of bed but pause and set an intention for your day
- When you are driving from one location to another destination, pause, and take three slow deep breaths
- After a meeting or before a meeting, again, pause and take three slow deep breaths
- Meditate for 3-5 minutes daily
- Close your eyes and rest for 5 minutes during the day instead of reaching for a caffeine fix
- Practice restorative or yin yoga