Winter time? You mean Kapha time?

Winter time is all about Kapha. When winter hits the qualities of Kapha are naturally intensified within our environment and ourself. This means we have to figure out how to balance ourselves during this season.

What do you notice about winter time in your own life?

The natural world is withdrawing into hibernation. This is what we need to do to really balance ourselves out. I know this blog is coming a little late, but winter is time for us to withdraw our own energy back into us. Instead of pushing out energy outward we need to redirect it inward. Who needs to really push so hard for those new years goals right at the beginning of January? Ha, not me.

Each season comes with its own unique set of qualities that can either balance or aggravate the inner workings of yourself. I mean how many people do you know thrive in the winter and other loathe the cold.

In Ayurveda, we recognize winter as kapha season with strong vata undertones. Winter is characterized by cold weather, sense of heaviness, increased moisture, cloudy days, slow feeling that sends many animals into hibernation. These qualities scream KAPHA.

I know in the winter for me being a very strong Vata/Pitta type I do tend to gravitate towards things that will accidentally increase my vata more than needed. Which can cause its own form of imbalances.

This is only going to touch on some small things, but you can check out my SHOP for a full guide to the winter season or my Patreon account where I will be sharing way more in-depth tips, tricks, and recipes. But for now let's get into it!

How to create a supportive winter diet.

Weirdly enough kapha may be defined by the slow and cold, our digestive fire is actually at its strongest. Our body requires more fuel to stay warm and healthy during the winer months, which forces the fire element to kick in during these months.

We need to aim to provide our body with a supportive kapha balancing diet that helps keep our vata energy at bay.

Here are some of my favorite tips for winter diets

• Focus on eating warm, cooked, slightly oily, food.
• Drink room temperature, hot, or warmed beverages. Try to avoid chilled or iced drinks.
• A cup of warm turmeric milk before bed can also help encourage sleep and decrease congestion.

Acceptable Winter Indulgences

If you enjoy eggs, winter is a great time to enjoy them and meats such as chicken, turkey, and venison.

In the evenings- either before or after dinner- you can treat yourself to a glass of dry, red wine.

How to Create a Supportive Winter Lifestyle!

During the winter months you will need to work on inviting in the warmth to counter act the cold. Try to avoid rushing. Take these months to turn your energy inward and embrace a slower, more relaxed pace. Remember the winter is to relax and reflect.

Daily Routine for Winter

We want to maintain a predictable daily routine to help keep vata in balance. Kapha does thrive with some newness, so keeping certain things similar day to day while adding some new things each day can help keep things fresh

• Start your day with a short morning routine. Sleeping in a little later is somewhat permissible in the winter, but you will feel fresher and more motivated if you are up by 7am (this is not one I personally practice everyday because phew)
• Oil pulling and tongue scraping This is a great practice to have no matter what season, but I enjoy this one linked. The mint is not as rough as the cinnamon in my opinion.
• My favorite routine item is warm oil massage! I will link some of my favorites to use here, but with this you wake up and I heat my oil up and massage it on before showering. It makes your skin feel amazing and really heats you up against the cold day. Joint Soothe is my favorite for winter because my ankle hurts when it gets cold and a little goes a long way!
• Morning yoga is another great ideas. I teach in the mornings for a reason! Practicing sun salutations is a great way to beat the natural sluggish feeling of of the winter.

If you are interested in a more in-depth guide for yourself you can check out my shop and order an Ayurveda intake assessment and I can get you all your imbalances listed for you to work on or you can follow me on Patrean after I launch Feb 1st!

Let me know if you try any of my link items! I would love to hear how you like them!