Finding Balance During Vata Season: Ayurvedic and Yoga Tips for the Festive Period and Beyond.
As we step into the colder months, the Vata season makes itself known with its crisp air, shorter days, and a sense of busyness in the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year. This time of year brings the qualities of air and ether; dryness, coolness, and movement which can leave us feeling scattered, ungrounded, and fatigued if we do not take care of ourselves.
Adding to this, the festive period can amplify stress, with endless to-do lists, social obligations, and a hectic pace that doesn’t always align with the natural slowing down that winter (Vata) season invites. Yet by using the theory and practices of ancient wisdom from Ayurveda and Yoga, we can adapt to seasonal changes, align with the Earth’s cycles, and find harmony even amidst the chaos. These practices not only help us navigate the busy festive season but also correct and prevent imbalances to support our overall wellbeing.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, meaning "Life Science," It is the sister science of Yoga, giving us tools and knowledge to enhance our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing to the optimum. It offers a way of living that promotes harmony between the mind, body, spirit, and environment. According to Ayurveda, our unique constitution, or dosha, is a blend of three energies:
Vata (air and ether): Governs movement, creativity, and flexibility.
Pitta (fire and water): Governs metabolism, transformation, and focus.
Kapha (earth and water): Governs structure, stability, and endurance.
In winter, the Vata dosha predominates, and if left unchecked, it can lead to imbalances such as anxiety, dry skin, poor digestion, and insomnia. By aligning our lifestyles with Ayurvedic principles, we can counteract these effects, supporting both body and mind through nourishing and grounding practices.
Adapting to Seasonal Changes and Earth’s Cycles
Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature, adjusting our routines and habits to reflect the changing seasons and Earth’s cycles. During winter, when Vata is high, and during the busy festive period, this means prioritising warmth, stability, and nourishment to restore balance.
Ayurvedic Tips for Wellbeing During Vata Season
1. Nourish Your Body with Warm, Grounding Foods
Focus on warm, cooked, and nourishing meals like soups, stews, and porridge to counteract the cold and dryness.
Include healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, and avocados to nourish your skin and joints.
Add warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric to aid digestion and promote internal warmth.
Avoid raw, cold, or overly processed foods, which can exacerbate Vata imbalances.
2. Establish a Calming Routine
Vata thrives on regularity, so create a daily rhythm:
Wake up and go to bed at consistent times.
Start your day with a warm drink or herbal tea to soothe your digestive system.
Incorporate self-massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil to calm the nervous system and hydrate your skin.
Prioritise rest by scheduling downtime amidst festive commitments.
3. Hydrate and Stay Warm
Sip on warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to counteract dryness.
Wrap up in cosy layers and avoid exposure to cold winds.
Yoga Practices for Seasonal and Festive Balance
Yoga complements Ayurveda perfectly, offering physical, mental, and spiritual tools to balance seasonal and festive stresses.
1. Grounding and Gentle Movement
Poses to Incorperate into Your Practce: Child’s Pose (Balasana), Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I and II), and Mountain Pose (Tadasana). These build stability and focus.
Restorative Poses: Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) and Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) encourage deep relaxation.
Slow, steady sun salutations maintain warmth and fluidity in the body without overstimulating the nervous system.
2. Breathwork and Pranayama
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma); starting with an Inhale through Left Nostril, Exhale through Right Nostril, Inhale through Right Nostril and Exhale through Left (one round). Working to double the length of the exhale e.g. Inhale three and Exhale six. Balances the nervous system and calms the mind.
Simple Three Part Breathing: Focus on slow and full breaths breathing into the abdomin (navel rising), side ribs (ribcage expanding outwards in all directions) and up to the top of the chest. Pause and notice the breath as it moves from top of chest, rib cage contracts and navel move towards spine as you fully exhale. This focus on breath supports relaxation, focus and stillness of body and mind.
3. Meditation and Yoga Nidra
Dedicate 10–15 minutes daily to meditation or Yoga Nidra for deep rest and reflection. Use this time to let go of holiday stress and reconnect with your intentions.
Honouring the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, marks a significant pause—a time to reflect, reset, and honour the natural cycles of the Earth. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is an opportunity to embrace stillness and tune into your inner wisdom.
Ideas for Solstice Rituals
Set Intentions: Spend time journaling or meditating on what you want to let go of and what you wish to cultivate in the coming year.
Light Candles: Create a peaceful atmosphere to symbolise the return of the light.
Connect with Nature: Take a mindful walk, appreciating the stillness of winter and its invitation to slow down.
Supporting Wellbeing Through the Festive Period
The holidays bring joy but also inevitable chaos. By leaning on Ayurvedic and yoga practices, we can remain calm, centred, and grounded during this busy time:
Use mindfulness to stay present during gatherings and obligations.
Schedule quiet moments for yourself to recharge amidst the busyness.
Practise gratitude and connection to stay anchored in what truly matters.
Preparing for the New Year with Ayurvedic Wisdom
As we transition from the solstice to the new year, Ayurveda reminds us to take a mindful, balanced approach:
Simplify Your Intentions: Instead of setting overwhelming resolutions, focus on small, meaningful changes that align with your values.
Flow with Nature’s Rhythms: Honour the natural cycles of growth, rest, and renewal as the year unfolds.
Continue Grounding Practices: Maintain your grounding routines to carry the sense of balance into the year ahead.
Final Thoughts: Harmony Through Ancient Wisdom
Ayurveda and Yoga offer us the tools to adapt to seasonal changes, align with Earth’s cycles, and navigate the chaos of the festive season with ease. By grounding ourselves in these ancient practices, we can correct and prevent imbalances, allowing our overall wellbeing to thrive.
As we step into the new year, let’s honour the rhythms of nature and our inner needs. Slow down, nurture your body and mind, and create space for balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
Wishing you a peaceful, grounded festive season and a vibrant start to the new year.
Practice Over the Festive Season to Support Your Well-being:
Monday Sessions will continue 23rd and 30th December 2024
Beginners Breath Conected Practice:
Zoom & In-Person at Marle House
Time: 5:20 pm (Zoom opens at 5:10 pm)
All-Levels Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice:
Zoom & In-Person at Marle House
Time: 6:30 pm (Zoom opens at 6:25 pm)
Investment: £6.50 for drop-ins or £20/month.
DM or email to reserve your spot!
First Workshop of 2025 Breath and Asana
In-Person at Studio17
Date 4th January 2025
Time 930-1130am
Investment: £20
DM, Email or follow https://www.evolveyogatraining.com/breathwork-asana
Workshop Overview: By learning to anchor yourself in your breath and connect breath to movement to open the body to breathe effectively, you can cultivate calm, stillness, and resilience to face whatever life throws at you.
That’s where the magic of connecting your breath, body, and mind comes in.
Learn how too:
Reconnect with your breath to find inner peace and presence.
Support your ability to manage stress and chaos.
How breath and movement together can create a sense of grounding and balance.
Ride life’s waves with greater ease and mindfulness.
I will guide you through breath connected asana to open your body, supporting effective breathing and techniques to create space and release tension from body and mind. I will share practices which support you to cleanse the body and mind: kriyas, chanting and contemplation and finally I will guide you through breath and pranayama techniques to calm your mind, find stillness, and support emotional well-being.
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