This winter I will be putting into practice what I advocate to others.
One such guideline is following the wisdom of Ayurveda. If you are not familiar with this, it is the sister science of Yoga.
Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India.
It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. But treatments may be geared toward specific health problems.
Staying healthy and active in the winter season is quite challenging especially for those living on an island in the Atlantic ocean. Cold wind and gradual dip in the temperature can make anyone sick, especially if your immune system is not that strong.
Falling sick can be very irritating and can hamper your work for days. But you cannot confine yourself within four walls during winter months. This is where Ayurveda comes to your rescue! We must still get outside and get on with it.
As per the ancient Indian medical system, by following some simple self-care tips you can brave the cold easily.
Here are 5 Ayurveda recommended tips you can follow this winter season:
- Stay active: To stay healthy in any season, it is crucial to stay active. It is a little difficult to get up in the morning and go for a walk in winter, but you have to do it to stay fit. Dress for the weather and embrace seasonal activities such as snowshoeing for example. You will get exercise, fresh air, natural vitamin d and mood boosting endorphins. Personally, I go out especially when I feel like NOT. You can also perform movement at home at home if you do not like to go out. The main agenda is to stay active no matter what kind of exercise you perform.
- Eat warm cooked food-Our digestive system is weaker in the winter as compared to summer. So, try and avoid cold food in this season. When you eat cold food, your digestive system has to work harder to digest it. This often leads to indigestion and other stomach related issues. Eat warm and easy to digest food to stay healthy. I love my roasted root veggies!
- Oil-Dry and frizzy hair as well as dry and cracked skin is another common issue during the winter season. The cold wind takes away all the moisture from your hair and skin. Use coconut oil to nourish and strengthen your hair during this season. Sesame oil is warming to hands and feet. Take a few drops of coconut oil on your fingertips and massage your scalp with it. Add some essential oils for a nourishing treat for mind, body and spirit.
- Massage– Massaging with essential oils, sesame oil or mustard oil will keep you warm, help you fight the cold weather and will keep your skin soft and smooth. You can massage your skin before taking a bath in the morning or before going to bed. Massaging also calms your mind, relieves stress and improves the quality of your sleep. If you can take in a professional massage, gift yourself!
- Turmeric milk– trade out a latte for this medicine! Most people drink coffee or tea to stay warm during the winter season. But caffeinated drinks do not help you that much. This season, give up on your warm cup of coffee and include healthy turmeric milk in your diet. Drinking turmeric milk or golden milk every day will keep you safe from nasty cold and flu. You can also add some spices like cinnamon powder and cardamom powder in your drink to make it more effective. Guess what, it is family friendly too!
6. Keep Hydrated– water, water, water, decaffeinated herbal teas, keep yourself nourished and well hydrated. Often we can feel hungry, tired, anxious, lethargic, brain fog, sore, irritable when really we are dehydrated. Always, have a water bottle filled and ready to drink. Drink even more when active. you will never regret drinking more water. Treat yourself well and the rest will come.
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Take care of yourself and enjoy life’s blessings to the fullest
XO Pam
