At 7 a.m., the outside world remains enveloped in darkness, accompanied by the biting cold. Inside, the heating system hums softly, offering solace from the chill. The scene sets the stage for a cosy yet sluggish start to the morning, with the desire to linger in the warmth overpowering the early hour.
Ayurveda’s view on winter
Ayurveda, originating from India, is often termed the “science of life.” It represents a holistic health system encompassing various facets of well-being, emphasising wholesome lifestyle practices, balanced nutrition, therapeutic bodywork, and approaches for both preventing and treating ailments. This ancient practice is deeply rooted in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, aiming to achieve harmony and optimal health through personalised approaches aligned with an individual’s unique constitution and balance.
In Ayurveda, the characteristics of winter—cold, dryness, lightness, windiness, and roughness—are associated with the Vata dosha. These qualities can potentially lead to various imbalances during this season, including issues such as:
• constipation
• dry and cracked skin or joints
• cold extremities
• weight fluctuations
• feelings of lethargy and melancholy
Ayurvedic principles recommend balancing these effects through lifestyle adjustments, diet, and self-care practices to mitigate Vata-related disturbances during winter.
To promote a healthier state of mind during this season, a well-structured morning routine proves invaluable. Initiating your winter days with a consistent start can significantly impact your well-being. Regardless of external disturbances like social media updates, traffic, work deadlines or daily challenges, laying the groundwork for self-care early on can influence the day’s tone. Dedicating this morning time to your nourishment is pivotal.
Here are some recommendations for morning practices that draw inspiration from Ayurvedic traditions.
• Rise with the Sun
Ayurveda advises maintaining a wake-up time in sync with the sunrise. However, in regions like the UK or Ireland, where summer days stretch long and winter days shrink, this may pose challenges. If your schedule demands an early start, particularly for commutes or work, you might be awake before dawn. Nonetheless, take a moment to witness the natural light arrive as you begin your day.
• Skincare and Oral Hygiene
These are probably year-round essentials, but they become crucial during winter. Ensure to splash your face with water several times, gently pat it dry, and seal in moisture using a facial or Ayurvedic oil.
Don’t overlook oral care, particularly the use of a tongue scraper! This practice aids in eliminating toxins (ama) accumulation, recognised in Ayurveda as a primary contributor to various diseases.
• Cosy Hydration
This is a personal favourite routine of mine. Sipping a warm glass of water in the morning creates a comforting sensation as the warmth spreads through your body, akin to a gentle morning embrace during chilly times. Ayurveda offers numerous recommendations for warm hydration, such as starting your day with warm water infused with lemon, ginger tea, or soaking cumin seeds in warm water, each offering their own beneficial properties.
• Journalling
Engaging in journalling or dedicating some “me-time” is something I find particularly enjoyable, especially while sitting and sipping on my hot beverage. My routine typically begins with expressing gratitude for the blessings in my life. However, this time is versatile—you can jot down anything. While starting with a gratitude journal is wonderful, you can also sketch, write affirmations, or outline your goals. It’s crucial to differentiate this practice from crafting your to-do list; maintaining the distinction between the two is valuable.
• Sit in Silence or Meditation
Settle into a comfortable position, whether on a cushion or chair, preferably in a designated spot or even with a dedicated cushion for daily moments of tranquillity. Personally, I sit with my puppy by my side, but you might have your pets or kids nearby. The key is simply to sit—embrace the stillness and direct your attention to your breath for a brief period. If preferred, guided meditation can be a helpful alternative.
• Get Moving
Embrace the winter air by opening the door, allowing the brisk breeze to touch your skin. Alternatively, open the window and deeply inhale the fresh air. Dress warmly and take a brisk walk, taking in the beauty around you; the infusion of Vitamin N (N for Nature!) will prove revitalising. If stepping outside isn’t feasible due to weather, or other reasons, head to a window, draw back the curtains, and invite as much natural light as possible. Gaze outside, envisioning yourself walking (skipping! jumping! dancing!) down the street.
• Yoga
Start your day with Sun Salutations to greet the morning. Begin by stretching your legs and lower body, fostering a grounded and confident start to your day. Invigorate your body by stretching the shoulders and upper body, initiating the day with an open heart and increased energy. Allow your intuition to lead as you move through poses that resonate with your body.
• Dry brushing & Abhyanga (oil massage)
Dry brushing proves beneficial by stimulating the lymphatic system, exfoliating the skin, eliminating toxins and boosting circulation and energy. Using a natural bristle brush, brush long, repetitive strokes towards the heart.
Following this with Abhyanga (oi massage) is a perfect winter wonder. A preferred oil for Abhyanga in the winter is Sesame Oil, as it is inherently warming. I used to think this would be time-consuming, but it only requires about a minute of self-care!
Conclude your routine by showering, having a nourishing breakfast, and embracing the day ahead.
Experiment with these practices, follow what resonates, skip what doesn’t, and incorporate those that bring you the most equilibrium. They’re flexible and there’s no fixed order to follow. Whether you’re an early riser or someone who struggles to start the day, these tips will provide a boost to kick-start your morning.
– Naomi SheedyWinter is a season of rest, recovery and reflection. Kindness and love for yourself can warm those chilly mornings.
