Taking care in the season of Vata

The last warm days seem to be over and the leaves are falling from the trees. The air is cool and our skin is getting dehydrated. Looks like it's the season of Vata!

What does Vata season mean to you

No matter what Dosha you fall into, we are all victim to an overabundance of Vata in the late fall/early winter. Aside for the need to slather on more moisturizer, we may experience irregular digestion as well as frenetic, anxious energy. Here are some of the best ways to balance Vata during this time:

• Eat grounding foods such as root vegetables, cooked greens, soups & stews, and warm grains like oatmeal & quinoa. This is a time to be cooking all of your vegetables to aid with better digestion.
• Drink lots of warm liquids such as teas, even warm water. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger to further help with digestion. You can also make your own tea with these spices using honey to sweeten.
• Try to stick to a consistent schedule, waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday. At this time you will also want to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at consistent times, making sure your heaviest meal is lunch and your lightest being dinner.
• Try self massage using sesame oil, helping you to stay warm and comforted. Pay extra attention to your feet.
• Take time in each day to practice restorative yoga and meditation, embrace alone time, and try to get at least 8 hours of restful sleep each night.

Here's a wonderfully warming evening tea you can make at home for the season of Vata:

Boil several thin slices of ginger, a sprig or two of mint leaves, one bag of chamomile tea and roughly 1/4 of a teaspoon of cinnamon (or one cinnamon stick) in 3 cups of water for 10-15 mins. Strain ingredients and if you choose, sweeten with honey or agave to taste.