Staying Healthy In Fall

In fall, the air element is prominent. The leaves are getting brittle and dry, the temperatures are dropping, and the wind is picking up speed. These changes also affect the body-mind. The air element is dry, mobile, light and cold. Often during the fall people begin to feel dryness in the skin, gas and bloating and increase in constipation due to the reduced heat and increased dryness in the body. Many people may also experience increase in anxiety and an overall feeling of being unsettled.

Here are six Ayurvedic tips to stay healthy in fall season.

1.     Increase fluid intake in the form of warm water, soups and stews. Fill the body with rich nutrition from beets, carrots and potatoes.  Spiced tea is great for fall. Add honey to bring the sweet taste in and you will feel warm and relaxed from the inside out.

2.     Fight off any potential health challenges of cold and flu viruses with a warm cup of Turmeric tea. Add about a half a spoon of Turmeric powder in one cup of warm water. Turmeric strengthens the immune system. Turmeric is also a wonderful spice to add to soups, stews, rice and vegetable dishes.

3.     Do a self-massage with warm sesame oil using slow, gentle strokes with special attention being placed on the joints and abdomen. This will keep the skin soft, sustain mobility in the joints and keep the digestive system active. It will also help you stay calm and feel comforted. Saunas are great during this time of the year.

4.     Each morning spend 5-10 minutes to sit quietly and take some deep breaths. This is an amazing way to check in with yourself and start off the day with inner tranquility. Maintain a regular routine as much as you can – regular sleep and wake up time, regular meal times and never skip meals.

5.     Gentle long walks in the nature daily is the ideal exercise. Gentle Yoga with slow, steady, grounding movements is also very good. Spend time with the earth element, walking barefoot, lying on the grass and playing in the leaves.

6.     Try to stay away from loud, noisy environments and when you can’t avoid them, take a moment to breathe deeply and find your inner peace. Cozy up to a warm fire or snuggle up with your favorite book and a cup of hot tea. Warm milk spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with honey is a perfect nighttime elixir.

Enjoy the gorgeous foliage of fall and rejoice in this season all you can.