Ayurveda - Having A Busy Time?

I'm having a busy month and it seems that practically everyone around me is feeling the same. One subcriber I was in contact with had a "crazy week" last week and worked until 2am one morning. Another is so busy with the "back to school " period and family stuff that she won't have time to attend my seasonal workshop, and another is so busy that she "cannot take the time to look after [her] own health at present".

What's happening? Is it just that this time of the year is one when there's a lot to do?

According to Ayurveda, this period we are moving into - Autumn - is associated with the Vata force - which governs the principle of movement and has cold, dry and light qualities. Our modern life with its general lack of rhythm, our fast pace of life, the number of people around us all having similar experiences, feeling anxious, fearful, all of this increases this force. Do you have lots of ideas, are you in a hurry to start or finish things, are you feeling anxious about all you have to do?

I know where you're coming from because I'm there too. But it's really important to pace ourselves. This will make sure we start autumn with enough energy to get through the winter, when everything slows down. During the transition period between each season it's also important to be careful about what we eat and drink and how we treat our bodies. Our general energy may be affected and that's why a lot of people may have colds or feel more tired at this time. So, as we experience this move from late summer to autumn, it's not necessarily the best time to take on more activities. It's a better time to be letting go, to take it easy and eat supporting foods.

Let me share 5 of my favourite tips with you to help you to handle the cold and dryness that dominate during this season and to make the transition a more gentle experience.

1. Include heating spices in your diet e.g. cardamom, cinnamon and ginger.

2. Eat warm, soupy, oily, sweet, sour and salty foods.

3. Consume less raw food, if any at all.

4. Establish a routine of waking up and going to bed early to ground and centre yourself.

5. Take more exercise e.g. go for a walk to raise energy levels, do yoga regularly.

Bonus tip and my favourite!

Do or have oil massage, sesame oil is best. You can do this yourself or go to a local Ayurvedic massage practitioner. nn(c) 2008 Janet Gomez