But, with a colder and drier winter season on the cards, it’s more important than ever that we’re firing on all cylinders this year. Thankfully, Ayurveda is here with some tips that’ll leave you feeling good and looking even better.
Winter according to Ayurveda
As we know, the winter months are characterised by cold weather, dark nights, and a heavy nature. These traits are associated with Vata and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, those individuals who are more dominant in the Kapha dosha or Vata dosha typically feel the effects of winter more than Pitta doshas.That’s not to say you can’t enjoy life in the winter, you might just need to make a few changes to your diet and lifestyle to bring yourself back into balance. Here, we reveal some tried-and-tested Ayurvedic tips for winter to help you to maintain a healthy mind and body - whatever your dosha type.
Ayurvedic tips for winter
Stick to a sleep routine
We know this isn’t always easy during the winter - especially when the festive season begins. But, regulating your sleep - and trying to go to bed and rise earlier - can do wonders for your health, mentally and physically. Ayurvedic experts say routine is essential for bringing balance into your life and getting an optimum amount of sleep will also give you that much-needed energy boost which is crucial around this time of year.Enjoy home-cooked foods
It’s completely normal to crave hearty and wholesome dishes in the winter and Ayurveda says now is the time to enjoy warm and well-cooked meals. Think stewed fruits with cinnamon, porridge, and vegetable soups. You could even include a few nourishing drinks into your daily routine like Turmeric Tea. The odd treat is more than okay - just be sure to balance it out with protein-packed greens like spinach for extra energy.During the colder months, it’s common for our immunity to face a few obstacles which is why it’s important to give it a little helping hand with some gut-friendly spices. This is because 70% of your immune system is found in your gut. Ginger, Mint, Cinnamon, and Turmeric can all aid digestion, detoxify the gut and support healthy stomachs. Our Healthy Digestion Kit will keep you happy from the inside out; in it you’ll get our bestselling Rest & Digest capsules (which contain Ginger and Triphala to boost and detoxify the gut) and our Copper Tongue Scraper which stops bacteria and toxins from entering your digestive system and supports good oral hygiene.
Or, you can go one step further with our Gold Shield Turmeric Immunity Capsules. Blending Turmeric, Ginger and Ashwagandha, these natural capsules leave you feeling your best and protect your body from whatever comes its way. Plus, Ashwagandha keeps you calm and happy which is essential for every dosha after a full-on year.
Stay hydrated
Our body is made up of 60% water and when we don’t drink enough water both our energy levels and brain function can slip. Ayurveda recommends that we begin each day with a glass of warm water to invigorate our senses and activate the digestive system. Cold water can shock the digestive system and dampen the digestive fire leading to bloat, gas, and cramping. You can even add the likes of Lemon, Ginger, Turmeric or Cloves to your warm water to give it a taste and health boost. Ginger and Turmeric are both proven ingredients for healthy digestion and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can fight off any pesky bugs and bacteria that are common during winter.Inspired by Ayurveda’s Golden Milk, our Turmeric Latte Powder has the zing of your morning coffee without the comedown and offers a few additional benefits to your immunity. Combining Turmeric, Cinnamon and Cardamom, this 100% natural and vegan latte powder boosts energy levels, strengthens the immune system and aids digestion and congestion too. All you need to do is mix it with your milk of choice and sit back and sip as you give yourself a little pick-me-up.
Move your body
We all know that staying active has lots of benefits and, in the winter, it’s a great way of improving blood circulation and raising your body temperature. If it’s too cold to run outside, look for alternatives inside; a morning yoga session, a YouTube workout or even just putting on some of your favourite music and dancing. If you do prefer to exercise outside, then Ayurveda recommends you should try to fit it in with your daylight hours. So, instead of an early morning run,you could mix things up with a walk or workout class at lunch.Just bear in mind that depending on your individual dosha, your energy levels might be affected in the winter, and this could impact the type of exercise you can do. Slow and sluggish Kaphas might enjoy a fast-paced HIIT workout, light and airy Vatas could benefit from a gentle walk, and hot and fiery Pittas typically enjoy grounding and balancing yoga sessions.
Find some me-time
End of year deadlines and get-togethers with loved ones often mean that winter is busy. But it’s important to find some time for yourself. Whether it’s a long soak in the bath with a good book or daily self-massage with essential oils, self-care activities are a great way to press pause. What’s more, massage and relaxing baths help your body to stay nourished and warm, making it easier to move through the day. It’ll also help with your sleep - which as we know - is another one of Ayurveda’s winter wellness tips.Try Deja’s delicious latte blends that will take your evening routine and me-time to a whole new level. Our Love Cacao Latte Powder blends adaptogenic and aphrodisiac ingredients like Shatavari, Maca, and Ashwagandha to help you to tune into your body while satisfying sweet cravings. It’s super easy to enjoy this guilt-free, 100% natural, vegan, and organic indulgence too. Just mix it up with your favourite milk, sprinkle over some chocolate shavings, light a candle and find a quiet spot.
Catch up with your besties
Having a good old gossip with your friends is exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s a great way of getting things off your chest and simply having a laugh which is essential for our mental health, and as we know this has a direct impact on our physical health too. Brave the cold weather and try a yoga session together or a walk in the park? Or, you could take full advantage of a night in and host a ‘Bring a Board Evening’. For a healthy option, add our cacao lattes to your desert board.
Combatting the winter blues with Deja
With a few small tweaks to your daily routine, you won’t only survive the winter months, but you’ll be on track to thrive. At Deja, we have a whole range of Ayurvedic-inspired supplements that are designed to help your body and mind to fight fit throughout every season.If you find yourself struggling with more severe feelings of stress or anxiety, it may be that you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In this case, we always advise you to speak to a medical professional.
Remember, our team is always on the other side of a DM though. So, whether you have any questions about one of our Ayurvedic products or just want to chat, we’re here.
