Seasonal Self-Care for Winter
It is cold, dry, and windy now where I live Northeast in the US.
In Ayurvedic theory, we are currently in Vata season which is associated with the elements of ether and air. During this cold season, we are more likely to elevate Vata within our system. As my main constitution is Vata dosha, I can observe I currently have some imbalance in my body and mind. Vata governs many vital functions in the body such as the functioning of the heart and circulatory system. Vata also controls the fire of digestion and helps in elimination. Vata moves throughout the body and affects the joints and the colon in particular. It also governs the nervous system and the mind.
Vata’s qualities are characterized by nature as follows
-dry
-light
-cold
-rough
-subtle
-mobile
-clear
Recognizing Vata Imbalance
When Vata becomes elevated or imbalanced, we can see some physical and mental disturbances such as dry skin, constipation, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, irregular digestion, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold. Especially current cold and windy weather can affect these imbalances.
Self-Care for Vata Imbalance
When you notice these early signs of imbalance, taking good care of yourself is important to prevent further disturbance. Unfortunately, stress, excess sensory stimulation, and the current high-paced modern lifestyle can affect imbalance Vata.
Here are some self-care recommendations to counteract Vata.
Warm Water: A glass of warm morning water can help with digestion. You can also add a squeeze of lemon too.
Routine: Try to establish a daily routine. Eat meals at a regular time, take warm baths or showers on a regular schedule, and try to go to bed by 10 pm in order to get 7-8 hours of sleep to keep your immune system strong and mentally healthy during these darker months.
Dynamic Movement: Few round of dynamic movements like Sun Salutation in the morning and joint warm-ups, helps us feel warm, centered, and grounded.
Daily Check-in: Becoming aware of how Vata is showing up in ourselves can take a little practice. You can take a moment to stop what you are doing during the day and just take a few moments to notice how you are. Do this daily to check in with yourself.
- Turn off your phone for 5 minutes
- Sit down and straight. Your feet are firmly on the floor. Rolling shoulder a few times to release tension.
- Notice your breath. Is it shallow, long, or deep? Check your breath.
- Notice the mind’s activity for several breaths. As thoughts come up, just let them be.
- After watching the thoughts for several breaths, take a nice deep inhalation and exhalation for a few rounds.
- Return to normal breathing and reflect on how your thoughts were, nervous, centered, fearful, `positive or negative, etc..
So take time while being careful to balance Vata during this cold season, but also appreciate it for all the wonderful aspects of Vata, such as its movement, expansiveness, and airy qualities.
