In autumn, the days become cooler and shorter and we are invited to turn to the inner light. Autumn is dry, rough, windy, unpredictable, cold and clear. These are all characteristics that the Vata dosha has. This is why autumn is considered a Vata season. Autumn is a time of transition. Many trees and animals prepare for winter by shedding their leaves and putting on their fur. 

During this time, you may experience dryness, restlessness, and irregular sleep, digestion, or menstruation. Whether you love fall or dread the approaching winter, making a few simple adjustments to your diet and lifestyle will help you feel more balanced. 

As nature begins to calm down, it can be difficult for us humans to maintain our energy levels. Taking a few simple steps to balance the Vata season can be hugely helpful in strengthening the immune system and keeping the life force active. 

We have put together a few tips and routines for you this autumn: 

Nutrition 

If we consider the Ayurvedic principle that opposites balance each other, Vata season will be less stressful if you fill it with warmth, oiliness , deep nourishment, loving relationships and a sense of stability, routine and grounding. Drink warm tea instead of coffee throughout the day. Āsmi Energies tea is a good coffee substitute. 

Rich, oily, nutritious foods high in protein and fat, brought to life with warming, stimulating spices and served hot, will go a long way in maintaining your internal moisture reserves and getting you through Vata season. Reduce your consumption of raw vegetables, smoothies and salads, cold and frozen foods, and bitter and pungent tastes. Skipping meals, going to bed late, and irregular meal times should be avoided or at least reduced. 

lifestyle 

Establish a daily routine. One of the most effective ways to regulate Vata is to establish a daily routine. Try to do everyday tasks like waking up, exercising and sleeping at roughly the same time every day. Get up a little earlier despite the increasing darkness and enjoy the silence, calm and peace of the early morning hours. 

Massage yourself or have a partner massage you. Treat yourself to an oil massage in the morning. This will not only help the skin but also ground the air energy that is causing restlessness and/or insomnia. Sesame oil is an excellent winter oil as it is both nourishing and warming. The āsmi massage oils are based on sesame oil, among other things. You can then take a warm, relaxing shower and leave a layer of oil on the skin that will be absorbed throughout the day. Aromas such as citrus, orange and geranium add a refreshing touch to your routine. Try yoga and meditation. Steam baths and humidifiers are good for dry skin and for your respiratory system. 

Enjoy holding back and not doing things sometimes: JOMO (The Joy of Missing Out) can be a nice quality to live out more in the cold seasons. Winter is the only time when we can really allow ourselves as much sleep as we need. In fact, our ancestors enjoyed an astonishing amount of sleep in the cold months, as there was no heating and no electricity, it was not unusual for people to sleep 14 or 15 hours a night. 

exercise and yoga

Vata is easily aggravated by rapid exercise, so consider slow, gentle, strengthening forms of exercise. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga at about 70 percent of your normal levels. Balance your activity with enough relaxation and sleep to allow your body to recover properly. 

In your yoga practice, warm up slowly and do some joint rotations. Move consciously and fluidly by grounding your hands and feet on the mat and avoiding abrupt movements between asanas. Gentle movements like a relaxed sun salutation help calm Vata. Your breath should be deep and flowing. Emphasis on backbends Back bends and sideways movements will keep your spirits alert and alive during the dark time of the year. End the asanas with a long shavasana and cover yourself with a blanket to keep warm. 

Put on

It goes without saying that you need to keep yourself warm, especially your ears and head. Don't wear too much black and dark blue in winter. We all love fashionable and slimming black, but remember that this color absorbs all light. Too much black leaves us with a feeling of space and emptiness, and these moods are even more pronounced at this time of year. It's not only important to wear warm clothes, but also warm colors that can cheer you up. Leave the endless shades of gray and try reds, yellows, oranges and whites! 

Check out our Instagram Reel for a quick video summary. So enjoy the changing seasons and make the most of this time of reflection and self-care. 

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash