As the seasons change, our bodies also experience subtle adjustments to adapt to the environment. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ve probably already noticed how temperatures drop, the atmosphere becomes a bit drier, and you can generally feel the arrival of autumn.
We’ll discuss how these changes can reflect in you on a mental, physical, and subtle level, along with tips from the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda to help you incorporate small habits and feel balanced.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, often referred to as "the science of life," is a traditional system of medicine originating from India. It focuses on a deep understanding of the elements that govern nature—and thus ourselves—teaching us how to harness these elements to achieve a state of balance and harmony with our environment.
If you’re familiar with this ancient science, you’ve likely heard of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. If not, here’s a here’s a quick summary:
The doshas are the three main energies that govern the entire cosmos, and they are also present in our bodies. Each person has all three doshas in varying proportions, which can be found in the foods we eat, how we move, and, of course, in the seasons of the year.
Each dosha is composed of two of the five main elements of the universe: earth, fire, water, air, and ether.
Vata, made up of air and ether, is light, dry, cold, and mobile. It is the predominant dosha in autumn and is also present in spring.
Pitta, consisting of fire and water, is hot, light, intense, and oily. This dosha is predominant in summer.
Kapha, composed of earth and water, is heavy, cold, slow, and stable, making it the predominant dosha during winter.
With the arrival of autumn, we start to experience the qualities of Vata. The weather becomes colder, dryness in the environment increases, and a sense of movement arises. Subtly, we may begin to feel more anxious, experience insomnia, notice dryness in our skin, and feel stressed. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize these changes and incorporate certain habits to mitigate their effects on our body and mind.
Recomendaciones Ayurvédicas para el Otoño
Ayurvedic Recommendations for Autumn
Warm and Nourishing Foods: Focus on cooked and hot meals, such as soups and stews, which provide warmth and moisture. Incorporate spices and ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and ghee to stimulate digestion and warm the body. Golden milk and chai are excellent options during this season.
Proper Hydration: Keep your skin and body hydrated. Use natural oils, such as sesame oil, for self-massage to nourish and protect your skin from the cold. This practice, known as Abhyanga, is especially beneficial during autumn.
Self-Care Rituals: Engage in meditation and yoga to maintain emotional and mental balance. Set aside time for activities that relax you and invite introspection, such as reading or journaling.
Adapt Your Environment: As the days grow shorter, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. Bring out cozy blankets, light aromatic candles and incense, and strive to create a space of peace and tranquility.
Good Sleep & Rest: With the change in daylight, it's essential to adjust your sleep habits. Try to go to bed a little earlier and establish a relaxing nighttime routine. This can include turning off your phone, computer, and TV at least an hour before bed, making yourself a warm tea, and reading, meditating, or listening to soothing music.
Autumn is a time for reflection and preparation. As the world outside gets ready for winter, our bodies begin to adapt to the seasonal change. The best thing we can do is support ourselves with habits and routines that help us find peace and balance. Symbolically, autumn is a moment for letting go. Just as leaves fall from trees, this season invites us to reflect on what we want to release from our lives and, importantly, what we want to hold on to.
Everything that nourishes you—be it relationships, situations, or environments—will be what sustains you through the cold winter months ahead.
So, embrace the change, enjoy the beauty of autumn, and allow yourself to tune in to the rhythm of nature.
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