Embracing Autumn Gently
It's windy, rainy, sunny and unsettled. A much expected October day by the sea!
For some of us, this changeable, windy season can feel really tiring. Our nervous system needs to work harder to keep us steady on our feet. Our brains can be overstimulated, making us feel tired and wired, and all of this means our energy levels fluctuate regularly.
None of us can control the weather, or the change of the seasons (also why would we want to!) but we can live in a way that supports us during the differing times of year.
Within Ayurveda, there are three main doshas (qualities, energies, elements which are attributed to seasons, and constitutions- vata, pitta and kapha.) . This time of year is vata season - a time associated with the elements of air and movement.
When vata becomes unbalanced within a person's constitution (i.e. an excess of vata energy), they may experience an overall sense of overwhelm, erratic energy levels, restlessness, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating and a feeling of being ungrounded (unsettled/all over the place).
In their physical body, there may be dryness in the skin and eyes. Or they may feel bloated or constipated. Joint pain can occur or worsen and muscles can feel more achey or stiff.
So how do we gently build ayurveda into a healthy routine?
Firstly what and how are we eating? How we fuel ourselves has a direct effect on our gut health (another HUGE subject right there), and therefore our whole system. But that's only part of the story, because digestion isn't only the food we eat - it's the environment we live in, it's the people around us, it's how much we are able to properly rest, it's the quality of the rest we get. I could go on for hours, but instead, I'm going to give you some realistic starting points that are neither restrictive nor specific - more an overall feel for seasonal and sustainable healthy choices, that create enough balance to help us tap into our individual and innate health wisdom.
FOOD TO INCLUDE IN AUTUMN: grounding, warming, seasonal, nourishing food that is easy to digest - soups and stews instead of cold, dry salads.
HABITS TO INCREASE IN AUTUMN: calming practises such as yoga, meditation, spending time outside, sleeping and eating at a similar time each day to create a healthy routine that our nervous system can rely on.
HABITS TO REDUCE IN AUTUMN: extreme multi-tasking, moving between tasks too quickly without a break, accidental hours of doom scrolling (especially before bed), eating and sleeping at different times each day, going to bed too late, not getting outside because of the weather.
As a self-confessed ayurveda nerd, I love how much these concepts makes sense. Just like yoga, we are never only supporting our health with a decision based on our physical body. Taking our whole constitution into consideration is much more appropriate for us as ever-evolving, part-of-nature, human beings.
These concepts have supported me for years - I'd love to know if you are going to give any of it a try.
And for those of you awaiting my cosy recipes, they're on their way soon.
Thoughts, questions or comments are always welcome
Lynne x
Hello lovely reader,
If you're reading this feeling fatigued, under the weather, overwhelmed and under-prioritised, remember you don't have to make all of the changes in one day. In fact, one great decision at a time is an excellent first step towards feeling amazing!
If you are looking for some personalised wellbeing guidance, encompassing holistic therapies such as yoga, nutrition, reiki, ayurveda on a one to one basis, so that you can fully prioritise yourself, I currently have 2 x spaces for one to one coaching in Shoreham or via zoom.
Get in touch directly if you are up for making a real and long lasting
difference to your wellbeing
Details of my classes, coaching and retreats are all on my website
or you can contact me directly on lynnejarrettyoga@gmail.com
Lynne x
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