AYURVEDA’S TIPS FOR MID-WINTER
When we think of mid-winter and the time that kapha dosha is accumulating we often think of the cold – but wet and damp are also ever prevailing stars of this show! The hope of spring is in the air on warmer days and daylight is definitely drawing out but often your energy feels at its lowest during this last stretch of winter. You might be struggling to wake up early, feel heavy and achy on getting up or feel generally sluggish and tired. How you feel physically affects your mood too and this can be a difficult time to keep motivated and we can feel low.
Ayurveda can guide us through this season by understanding how the qualities of cold, damp and heaviness create similar qualities in ourselves, the effects on our metabolism and how we can counter this with food, experiences and activities that create dryness, warmth and lightness. Try some of our tips for feeling lighter and stronger during kapha season.
Protect your digestive fire
The cold weather can stimulate a hearty appetite and we feel drawn to the heavier, satisfying and stodgy foods to feel warm and full. If we’re actually staying indoors, stuck in front of the computer with the central heating on however our digestion isn’t really on that winter setting even though our mind certainly is! Here are some suggestions for combating sluggishness caused by an overburdened digestion.
- Add warming spices such as ginger, cardamom or a pinch of chilli to perk up your digestion.
- Avoid snacking between meals so you’re hungry for the main event. If you’re peckish try sipping a hot water, often if you’re not truly hungry this will satisfy that craving (your face will start glowing too as a nice side effect with the extra hydration to your skin )
- Try intermittent fasting of 12-16 hours. For example, if you stop eating at 7.30pm, don’t eat anything until 7.30 – 11.30 a.m the next day. If you find that easy you can also have a light lunch and early supper too for a real digestive reset.
- Start introducing some lighter foods, green veg and food with pungent or bitter taste. Good examples are broccoli, celery, leafy greens, kale, onions, squash, lentils, mung beans, black beans, millet, buckwheat and barley.
- Enjoy teas that stimulate digestion and metabolism with herbs such as dandelion, nettle leaf and ginger. We recommend Detox Supergreen tea.
Keep on moving
The promise of spring is beckoning but with the mornings still relatively dark and the days cold, getting motivated for those summer goals can feel a stretch. Try and get outside and moving even just for a short walk to boost circulation and shift stagnation both physical and mental. Create a favourites playlist and dance in between meetings or office work if you’re stuck inside all day. You’ll also feel warmer and more alert. There are many great classes that are available online also to enjoy connection with other people and iron out the aches and pains.
Get your sleep
Our energy levels can be as topsy turvy as the weather this time of year. When we get a sunny day and the warmth lifts our spirits and energy we often go into spring clearing mode but then feel frustrated when another day we feel tired and want to hibernate. Try to keep a regular bedtime and enjoy at least 8 hours sleep and you will have plenty of energy when Spring does finally arrive.
Make massage part of your self-care
This is a great time to add massage to your routine, not only would it help your joints and support your lymphatic system but who wouldn’t benefit from a little TLC some of these grey days. Take 10 minutes every day to massage Kapha Oil over your body before or after a shower as you prefer. When we feel relaxed and supple in our body it can help us feel better and stronger mentally too.
Herbal friends for mid-winter
Tulsi has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for its support to the immune system and the body’s natural defenses. It’s also revered as a sattvic herb, promoting a sense of well-being and mental clarity. We’ve combined Tulsi with some of Ayurveda’s super herbs including Guduchi, Amalaki and Pippali for a formula to support both immunity and strong respiratory health. Now is a great time to support your all-round health and resilience with Organic Tulsi and Amla Formula.