Natural Self-Care & Beauty for a Balanced, Healthy Fall
“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.”
– Unknown
Fall is a very special time of year, as we transition from the hot, expansive energy of summer to the cooler, more inward season ahead. In Ayurveda, fall is considered "vata season" where we have the opportunity to pay special attention to the air and ether elements of the body-mind. Here are a few tips for balance and self-care this fall:
1. EAT WARM: Favour warm, cooked foods and warm drinks throughout your day will feel very good for your belly (and supports balanced energy levels throughout your day). Try to avoid/reduce cold, dry foods such as raw veggies, smoothies, iced drinks, crackers and salads, which can be difficult to digest, and can create gas and indigestion. 2. EAT SEASONAL: Enjoy your favouite fall veggies such as root vegetables, zucchini, squashes, pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes, kale, chard, oatmeal porridges, etc. A little bit of carb loading at this time of year is also perfectly natural and okay (just eat less meat). You can also enjoy slow-cooked soups, casseroles, and roasted veggies. 3. KEEP DIGESTION STRONG: Paying special attention to your digestive system is the secret of strong immunity. If your digestion is "off", this can be an ideal time of year for a kichari cleanse, which will help reset your digestion and balance your body-mind. When in doubt, drink hot water!
4. STAY HYDRATED
The fall season has the quality of dryness, we want to make sure that we are increasing hydration in our lives, both in terms of water and healthy oils. Keeping a humidifier at your bedside and oiling your body can also be very beneficial. Try to reduce unnecessary caffeine and alcohol during this season (which both can be drying). 5. SLOW DOWN: This is a good time of year to consciously slow down. I know this is easier said than done for many of us, but it will make a big difference in how strong and balanced you feel over the winter. Your best tool here is -- of course -- your daily spiritual practice, including gentle yoga, breathwork and meditation. You may want to set aside time for nature hikes, journaling, artwork, knitting, cozy time with loved ones, or other home-based activities which feel very good at this time of year. 6. FALL BEAUTY: Enjoy wearing warming, calming, grounding fall colours such as reds, oranges, golds, brown, white, blues, and rich purples. You can also wear gold jewerely, enjoy home oil massage, and essential oils such as lavender, clary sage, eucalyptus, bergamot, sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. Thanks for reading, and have a splendid early early fall...
About the Author
Briya (Rachel) Freeman is a facilitator specialized in meditation, ayurveda and modern spirituality. She is passionate about exploring the potentials of human consciousness in a way that respects, unites and transcends global culture and tradition.
Briya is a long-term student of Berdhanya Swami Tierra, a female mystic and shaman of South American origin. She also holds studies in ayurveda at Anjali School of Ayurveda (Kerala, India) and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa. She is the creator of Ayurveda for Vibrant Living, an online course which explore practical principles of self-care and holistic self-healing. She can be reached at briyafreeman@gmail.com