There is a simple yet fundamental Ayurvedic principle that
‘like increases like’. This basically means that the qualities
we experience in our environment, our food and via our other
senses are increased or reflected in our body and mind. For
example, during Winter, our environment becomes colder,
damper, heavier, and perhaps slower. The days become
shorter, with more dark hours. The corresponding effect on our
bodies is that we too feel colder, carry a little extra weight, feel
like sleeping in, or perhaps feel just a little lazier. The
extra dampness might be reflected in increased mucous
leading to colds and congestion.
Winter can also be a time of dryness; think windy, cool, dry
air. This also translates in our bodies as coolness, dryness of
our skin and tissues and feelings of scatterdness (think too
much air/airy). In order to maintain balance during Winter, we
need to promote the opposite of these qualities. So instead of
cold, heavy, dry and scattered, we need to promote warmth,
lightness, oiliness and groundedness.
A good Winter routine will help keep your immunity strong
and your body and mind feeling more balanced, more grounded
and less scattered, heavy or dull. These are the 7 things I’ve
learnt from Ayurveda that really are my go to’s for a kick-ass
Winter routine:
KEEP YOURSELF WARM
Sounds obvious, but I really didn’t used to do this as well as
I could have! Keep yourself toasty warm by covering up your
kidneys, chest, neck and feet. Embrace that cozy scarf, wool
socks and (sorry to sound like a Nana) tuck yourself in!
8 Complete Health