Last week on Ayurveda Wednesday, we introduced the dosha system! Check it out if you missed it, because this week we’re going into how the doshas relate to the seasons! This is relevant because right now is winter for us and lots of our followers living in the Northern Hemisphere! We’re struggling to keep warm living through our first real cold winter in 8 years! (For the last 8 years we were always traveling in warm places or living in SoCal!) So here are some Ayurvedic tips for keeping warm in the winter!

“Winter is characterized by cold weather, a sense of heaviness, increased moisture (usually in the form of rain or snow), cloud-covered days, and the grounded, slow feeling that sends many animals into hibernation. These are all qualities shared by kapha dosha, which is why winter is considered to be—primarily—a kapha season. However, if your climate is exceptionally cold and dry, or if you tend to feel more isolated during the winter months, vata will also be a strong component of your winter season, and you will want to actively keep vata placated as well.” – Banyan Botanicals

Using Ayurveda to stay warm in the winter:

Eat more warm, cooked foods with spices like coriander, turmeric, ginger, and nutmeg. Legumes are great in winter!

Eat citrus fruits and cooked, seasonal vegetables.

Drink warm liquids like tea and avoid cool drinks.

Perform Abhyanga self-massage with warm sesame oil before you shower.

Exercise in the morning to get your energy flowing!

Try an invigorating, challenging asana practice like Vinyasa or Power yoga. Heated classes are great if you’re feeling cold.

Try to get outside in the sun during the warmest part of the day.

And now, I’ve got to go take my own advice, because it’s the warmest part of the day and I need some Vitamin D! See you later!