8 WAYS TO CREATE BALANCE DURING VATA SEASON

Defined by the qualities of the atmosphere, rather than the calendar year, by mid-autumn we’re usually well into Vata season on this side of the equator, when we start to cocoon ourselves from the cold winds and dry air (whether under a blanket or a giant puffer!). This continues into mid-winter before late winter and spring brings with it the Kapha energy. As the weather cools, I prioritise supportive practices such as oil massage, and making my home as cosy as possible.

As a holistic urbanite, I’m also thinking fashion: inviting in a change in wardrobe and change in colours. As a foodie, I’m already thinking about the foods that are coming into season and dishes I haven’t eaten for six months, if not a year. And as an Ayurveda enthusiast, I’m thinking wahh, Vata season — let’s get prepped!

My main Dosha is Vata, which can quickly and easily go out of whack — especially in our fast-paced world. That means I know I need to get prepared and do what I can to maintain the precious balance of mind, body and spirit, so I can sail through this period as gracefully as possible (or I’ll be #wired). It’s also the fastest Dosha to get out of whack for everyone (#frazzled) and quickly causes other issues so, in this season when the Vata Dosha is prevalent,  this prep work really applies to us all.

GROUNDING WITH OIL MASSAGE

Vata season is dry, light, rough and cold, so warm oils are key for bringing us back into grounded balance. This is the time of year when I really lean into my Abhyanga self-massage practice, using oils that are perfect for autumn.

CHANGE UP YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

During this time, when skin can get itchy and dry, I move away from powder and gel cleansers to cream cleansers to keep my skin hydrated — check out this blog post for some favourites. Oil cleansers and balms will also keep skin supple (I like this one). For those looking for a thick luscious face cream to protect and moisturise, I like Therapi and Irene Forte.

DUST OFF THE SLOW COOKER

Slow cookers are great for colder weather — perfect for cooking those belly-warming soups and stews. Ahead of the winter season, my cast iron slow cooker gets a thorough dusting off, or should I say a re-season (‘scuse the pun) (not that I ever swear off it long enough for it to actually gather dust!) as I use it to cook nourishing meals overnight.Try the sunshine yellow porridge or slow cooker congee for example. You can also stick the slow cooker on in the morning to have supper ready for that night.

REACH FOR LAYERS

Autumn is the season of layering: with a noticeable continuing drop in temperature interspersed with sun and rain, we need to be prepared when we leave the house. Whilst us Brits love to talk about the weather, and bemoan the cold, friends further afield long for days they can wrap up and layer up. Not only is layering incredibly practical, but it’s an easy and effortless way to add interest to a signature outfit — all those extra pieces; cardi, hat, gloves, scarf, jacket, tights, warm boots — add plenty more room for self-expressive style. And your internal temp will thank you for it. I’m never without my knitted beanie when the cold winds start to hit! Ears are especially sensitive to Vata conditions, so it’s extra important to keep yours warm and toasty.

EMBRACING AUTUMN HUES

Since I’m still working from home for the most part with young Mahi, the quickest wardrobe update to mark the change of season is a quick coat of nail varnish (10-free please!). Nail varnish for me, after years of absence, has made me more aware of my hands and how I use them each day, my fingers, my touch, and how I use my hands to express myself — and how blimin’ rough I am on them. My erratic speed of typing reflects my racing mind as I write and create. So slowing down and softening my touch makes my writing/cleaning/getting things done more of a zen experience as I both admire and try not to chip my nails. As the leaves take on a golden hue, I’m looking to a flattering brown shade in a 10 toxin-free formula and have landed on this one from Kure Bazaar. For more natural nail varnishes, read my blog post here.

PLANT BULBS

If you have a garden or window box, or want some indoor flowers throughout the cold months, then those green fingers of summer can continue planting and potting up. There’s an array of bulbs that can brighten up your winter, and others that will bloom in spring — think snowdrops, alliums, anemones, tulips and hyacinths, and not forgetting everyone's favourites: bluebells and daffodils.

SEASONAL EATING

Seasonal eating is good for you, your local producers and the planet. Nature knows exactly what you need — which is why it gives us cooling cucumbers in the summer and earthy, grounding root veg in the colder months. For more on that, check out my post on seasonal eating, and another one on what exactly is in season in the autumn.

LIGHT IT UP

As the skies darken, it’s so important to create a soothing environment with light. During the day, you can use a SAD lamp to boost your mood and help you get through days that feel a bit glum, while in the evening you can switch to warm, glowy, yellow light bulbs in your lamps rather than glaring white ones. Now light a natural candle and you’ve got everything you need for a supportive winter home. If you must use your laptop after sundown, make sure to use blue light blockers to avoid dysregulating your circadian rhythm.