In Montana, we’re enjoying an unprecedented autumn with warm temperatures as high as eighty degrees. Our vegetable garden and planted pots are still going strong! Yet, we love the cool evenings as winter approaches.
Staying in tune with nature has always been important to me. And one of the ways I do this is by following Ayurvedic Principles.
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Simple Practices to Live an Ayurvedic Lifestyle
I first discovered Ayurvedic when I consulted Dr. Vasant Lad in 1983 with a health challenge. I was clueless about how vital exercise and movement were to me and my constitution until I met with him. This new awareness of my body type and its needs changed my life.
Let me share some of my insights and what I’ve learned about living a healthy lifestyle over the years. It can be as simple as paying attention to how your body responds to different foods and capturing seasonal cues for healthier living.
1. Sync with nature's rhythm.
Since many of us live in the city, it can be easy to get out of sync with the natural cycles.
Ayurveda believes in aligning with nature. Wake with the sun and sleep when it's down. This synchronization rejuvenates the body and strengthens the mind in ways most people are unaware of.
Sticking to this recommendation took me a while since I’m not a morning person. And I still like a late-night Netflix binge, which doesn’t support early rising.
However, following the natural light as regularly as you can will help you get better sleep.
2. Pay attention to eating seasonally.
Eating seasonally can really help with vitality and health. In different seasons, it’s best to eat foods that grow in your gardening zone.
Different seasons affect our doshas differently. For those unfamiliar with doshas, a dosha is our body’s natural constitution in Ayurvedic medicine.
There are three main types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These physical constitutions are believed to govern our physical, mental, and emotional health and have specific eating recommendations for each.
For instance, if I eat too much of certain foods that disagree with my body type, I become sluggish, and my energy tanks.
A fun way to eat seasonally that I enjoy is picking fruit in season, whether raspberries in our backyard or cherries in the Northwest.
🍑 A couple of years ago, we picked 25 pounds of fresh peaches while in Oregon... yum! There's nothing better than picking fruit right off the tree!
3. Be sure and hydrate—and it’s not just about quantity!
Most everyone has heard how important it is to drink water. However, hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink but HOW you consume it. If you love munching on ice like I do, you might struggle with this advice: avoid super cold or iced drinks.
It’s best to opt for room temperature or warm water regularly. We're a nation of soft drinks and iced coffee, but neutral temperatures are gentler on our system and boost digestion. When your digestion is sluggish, try cutting back on cold drinks and adding warm herbal tea.
4. Get exercise and movement regularly.
Exercise isn’t only about intense workouts and cardio exercise. Sometimes, a slower-paced yoga session or a gentle walk in the woods or on the beach is what is most needed. An intense workout can be invigorating and healthy. Yet, gentler exercise harmonizes our system and is great for recovery.
For myself, taking a break midday with a little Tai Chi is renewing. Other times, I crave running. My Kapha body type requires a lot of vigorous exercise to be at my best, and a dosha imbalance occurs when I'm too sedentary.
Since I sit coaching clients most of the day, I will do lunges or squats or jump on a mini trampoline in between clients.
Find what works for you!
Related reading: "Why Emotional Health Depends on the Mind-Body Connection."
5. Try moon bathing instead of sun gazing.
While sunbathing gets much attention, absorbing the soft moonbeams can be therapeutic, too. Try it during the next full moon; it's a rich experience—bundle up and do it even in the winter.
I remember when my husband and I went for a long walk along the Yellowstone River on a summer evening during a full moon. It was soothing—and romantic.
6. Using essential oils is a great way to destress naturally.
Often overlooked, essential oils can be renewing, nurturing, and invigorating, depending on what essential oils you use. Putting them in an essential oil diffuser makes it a perfect way to enjoy the benefits without the mess.
You can change out the fragrances to match the ambiance or mood you want to create. Or you add oils that are anti-viral, particularly in the winter months.
You can also apply them to your wrists for their calming effects. Peppermint is a wonderful tonic for digestion, and you can even jumpstart your motivation with certain oils.
Essential oils are so versatile whether you need to clean or just want to smell the flowers!
7. Strive toward holistic thinking, not perfection.
Ayurveda doesn’t seek perfection; the goal is wholeness. It seeks balance, encouraging the middle path, not extremes.
I used to be a huge perfectionist, and it caused me a lot of angst and anxiety. Nothing was ever good enough. Learning to accept my humanness and imperfection took time, but it reaped massive benefits. Learning to tame the mind and inner critic is a huge relief.
It's okay to indulge occasionally—think Häagen Dazs—ha, ha... my favorite! We can’t deny ourselves pleasure and enjoyment; when we do, it’s one of the reasons we don’t stick with a healthy diet or lifestyle. Seek a nice balance.
What you do MOST of the time, not just occasionally, supports optimal health.
8. Seek continuous learning and personal growth.
The power of Ayurveda has surprised me even after many years. I keep learning new things about its science and my constitution. Developing a growth mindset and continuously growing is a core principle of Ayurvedic.
Keep reading, listening to podcasts, or joining groups that challenge you to think differently.
There are creative ways to honor yourself and the natural rhythms regardless of how busy you are. Think outside the box and explore what’s right for you.
9. Explore and introduce herbs into your daily routine.
Let’s face it! We’re a coffee culture, so herbal tea has taken a backseat.
However, the healing properties of herbs will astonish you. I encourage you to discover and experiment with herbs like Turmeric, Horsetail, or the soothing effect of Camomile. They are soothing to our emotions and helpful for sleep and digestion, too.
Utilizing what nature has provided keeps us in sync with the natural world. The many varied herbs and flavors can be easily personalized.
Closing Thoughts
Surround yourself with healthy foods and individuals who love a natural lifestyle. It will help you stay on track. Sharing recipes is a fun way to infuse a natural lifestyle. I had a friend give me a natural recipe for tofu pudding that was surprisingly delicious. And all you needed was a blender!
Strive for healthy habits, so you live a healthy lifestyle, not a quick fix to lose weight. If you're tired of being overweight, shift your perspective and strive for healthy living.
Everyone relates to their bodies and their health differently. Experiment, broaden your knowledge, and see what fits for you.
Your daily health goals should honor YOU.
Deep dive: "25 Ways to Live Healthy with Ayurvedic Principles."
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