Which ayurvedic lifestyle to follow in winter?

Seasons and Ayurveda

• It is important to live in perfect harmony with nature in order to live a healthy and balanced existence. Changing your food and lifestyle might help you stay in sync with the natural seasonal cycle. It will be simpler for you to make good lifestyle and eating choices and maximize your immune system, digestion, and energy once you grasp your intrinsic nature and attributes and how they vary with each season.


• Tuning into nature, according to Ayurveda, also helps you be more attentive of your own constitution, or prakruti, which is made up of three energies, or doshas: Vata, the energy of movement, Pitta, the energy of digestion, and Kapha, the energy of stability. These energies are generated by combining components found in nature, such as Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Ether. These elements have various properties and may be found in both your body and mind.


• Ayurveda has established a seasonal living system called as Ritucharya. Ritu is a season, while Charya is a routine. Following these routines and Ayurvedic practices will guarantee that your body and mind adjust to the changing seasons and that your body's balance is not disrupted. Based on the movement of the sun, Ayurveda divides the year into two phases or Ayanas.


• There are two Ayanas, Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice), each with three seasons. So, whereas Shishira (winter), Vasanta (spring), and Grishma (summer) are Uttarayana seasons, Varsha (monsoon), Sharata (autumn), and Hemanta (late autumn) are Dakshinayana seasons. Each season includes a unique set of ingredients and energy, the imbalance of which causes diseases and illnesses.

Ayurvedic Winter Season

• The weather in winter is cold and chilly, with a lot of moisture. The winter season is also marked by a sense of lethargy, with animals and people often hibernating. These characteristics often describe the Kapha dosha, and hence winter is said to be a Kapha season. When the Kapha dosha is balanced, the body and mind gain power and stability. However, in some circumstances, winter includes a chilly and dry stretch that indicates Vata dosha. You'll need to balance out the Vata dosha or you'll feel alienated and melancholy.


• Many people dislike winter because it is associated with colds, flu, and other infectious ailments. As a result, it is commonly assumed that winter significantly reduces your immunity. Ayurveda, on the other hand, thinks that winter is a time to enhance your immunity. Ancient science demonstrates how to boost your immunity and stay healthy during the winter.


• Bala in Ayurveda denotes immunity, which covers not only bodily immunity but also psychological and spiritual immunity. Bala aids in supplying the body and mind with the stamina needed to combat any disorders that impact the various areas of immunity. Diet, lifestyle, season, and age all have an impact on immunity. You can keep a steady level of immunity throughout your life's ups and downs.

Immunity is classified:

• Hereditary immunity (Sahaj) – is the amount of immunity you are born with.


• Seasonal (Kalaj) - immunity changes as a result of planetary and seasonal adjustments.


• Established (Yuktikrit) - the continuous level of immunity that an Ayurvedic lifestyle may provide.

• Rest - Because winter is marked by long nights and shorter days, you should give your body and mind enough of rest. Going to bed and getting up early might help you strike the proper balance.


• Reduce stress - Winter allows you to slow down, which greatly reduces tension. Having a pattern for your everyday tasks may help you prevent clutter and confusion, as well as minimize worry.


• Exercise - Because the winter season causes lethargy, you must stimulate your body. Exercise is an excellent method to do this. You may tailor your workout routines to your energy levels and the time of day. Yoga is an excellent approach to relaxing your mind and keeping healthy. There are several motions that assist the body to create heat for the winter season and are great for balancing Vata and Kapha.

• Choose hot, warm beverages and cooked food - In the winter, it's advisable to avoid chilled beverages and cold food since they might weaken the immune system. Choosing prepared foods and warm beverages can assist in completely balancing the Vata and Kapha for the season.


• Choose sweet, sour, and salty meals - According to Ayurveda, different flavors correspond to the rhythms of each season. In the winter, sweet, sour, and salty meals are preferable to bitter, astringent, and pungent flavors.


• Use Ayurvedic herbal medications - If you notice symptoms such as a cold, cough, or fever, you may turn to Ayurvedic medicines for raising body heat, which can help you maintain a good seasonal balance.