Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Autumn
Ayurveda reminds us to use balance in all things. Seasonal changes are a great reminder that it might be time to reassess our routines and adjust daily practices to better align with the qualities surrounding us. Fall, when the air turns cooler and gets lighter, the leaves start to fall, and the nights become longer, is a time for settling in. As we prepare for winter, this is a time for turning inward, staying warm, and investing in deeply nourishing practices.
Some of my favorite lifestyle adjustments for the fall are:
Warm Oil Massage: Practicing the application of warm oil 2-3 times per week keeps the skin soft and healthy, provides a protective layer of warmth, and provides nourishment to the nervous system. Sesame oil is the best oil choice for this time of year.
Nourishing Foods Prepared at Home: Well-spiced meals cooked at home are a sure way to provide love and nourishment to the body. The best meals for this time of year are oily, moist soups and one pot meals made with grounding vegetables, hearty grains and warming spices (. Snacks that warm the gut and settle the mind are another beautiful way to spread love. Enjoy these yummy snack recipes!
Self-Awareness through Journaling, Meditation and Quiet Contemplation Time: Combat difficult sleeping patterns that can arise this time of year by shutting down the screens and spending a few moments in quiet contemplation before bedtime each night. Journaling, guided meditation, yoga nidra, and breathing exercises are all lovely options.
Hydration: Stay well hydrated with warm water, tea and well-oiled foods. The skin (and the other tissues of the body) are easily dried out by the cool, thin air of autumn. Adding a teaspoon of ghee to warm water one time daily can help penetrate the tissues of the body, deeply hydrating all of the cells.
Practical Wardrobe Choices: Hats, scarves, mittens or gloves, leg warmers and other layered options keep the body warm. Be sure to layer up when leaving home and avoid over-chilling by keeping the feet covered with socks or slippers throughout the season.
Herbal Support: Ayurveda invites us to use warming spices and herbs this time of year. Ideal fall spices are: cardamom, cinnamon, clove, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, mustard seed, saffron, ginger and garlic. Herbal medicines have the ability to find the areas of the body that need support and, when delivered with warm water or milk and even a titch of ghee, penetrate the tissues more easily, becoming more effective.
Ashwagandha: Promotes strong digestion & sound sleep and strengthens the nervous system. Add 1 tsp ashwagandha powder to a night time tonic or to your morning smoothie.
Chyavanprash: Improves immunity and vitality. 1 TBS per day on warm toast, cracker or in tea helps strengthen the body and increases vitality.
Triphala: Made from three herbs, this combo herb is great for digestion and helps promote good elimination while rejuvenating tissues, and providing internal cleansing. Add 1/2 - 1 tsp to warm water before bed.
