Winter. Diving Deep. Insights and 10 Tricks to Elevate your Mood during Kapha Season.

I've been waiting a bit with the post about seasons changing, as I wanted to deeply get into that Kapha writing and hybernating mood, which, if fostered properly, can get you into a very creative state. After a quick ride online, I couldn't help but see that the internet is flooded with "how to's". Everybody seems to know nowadays "how to". However, now more than ever, people are confused about everything that a couple of years ago was supposed to be an intuitive way of navigating life. The way we eat and the way we live have changed dramatically over the years. We have been the lab mice for every nutritional experience that has taken place, with the internet pushing reels and catchy designed posts to reinforce certain trends. We had the vegan trend, the veggie trend, the mediteraneean diet, paleo, gluten free, so that now we are on the verge of a full low carb very high protein diet again. Apparently meat is trending again. Therefore, no wonder people are confused.

Now, i don't want to add any more over what's too much already. So I prefer to sit in my corner and talk about the 5000 years worth of written and living proof of what's supposed to be a blueprint of common sense and ease of life, based on the impact that nature and environmental changes have on the way we function, aka AYURVEDA.

Getting back to the Kapha season, or better said getting deeper in the winter season, we can see already that it started to be more difficult to get out of bed, we started to get more puffy and chubby, especially after the holiday feast, we crave more of the sweet, salty, dense, warm dishes, we need more sleep.

Outside, the landscape looks frosty in the morning.This chill in the air invites us to turn inward, mirroring our natural inclination for introspection and rest. The crispness of the air invigorates our bodies, reminding us of the importance of fresh starts and renewal, while the warm glow of cozy rooms and the beauty of winter light foster a nurturing environment for mental well-being. Just as nature rests and rejuvenates, winter invites us to prioritize self-care, indulge in warm comfort foods, and connect with loved ones, echoing the fundamental human need for warmth, community, and reflection during this serene, yet often challenging, season.

So, what can we do in order to navigate this season and integrate its aspects ? Accept it and surrender to it first and foremost. I've been fighting it back for most of my life. If you are an action driven person you can find it very difficult to just stay still and accept your lack of productivity. However, I found out over time that there is more power in short moments of stillness sprinkled through periods of high intensity.

So, what do we have here? We have sluggishness, congestion in the arteries, in the metabolism of fat, in the mind, in the way we see things.( Yes, a sluggish mind can also affect your perspective and the ability of seeing things clearly, as they are). We have coldness in the body, dumpnes and stickiness, depression and attachment imbalances. That's Kapha right there.

Now, in order to meet this season lighthearted and integrate its lessons with ease, Ayurveda teaches that we need to counter these qualities with oppopsites, in order to balance the effects.

1. Start your day with hot lemon ginger water on empty stomach. Drinking hot lemon water on an empty stomach during the Kapha season is essential for balancing the body's natural energies. As Kapha is characterized by heaviness and stagnation, the warm, invigorating properties of lemon water help stimulate digestion, boost metabolism, and break up amassed mucus in the body. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of lemon support the immune system and provide a refreshing dose of vitamin C, which is particularly beneficial as the climate changes.

2. Begin your day with a 2-minute jump. During the Kapha season, a quick 2-minute jump in the early morning can be an effective way to dispel lethargy and energize both body and mind. This straightforward exercise stimulates circulation, boosts energy, and combats the sluggishness often linked to Kapha's heavy qualities. By incorporating brief high-intensity movements, you can raise your heart rate, promote lymphatic drainage, and enhance metabolic function. Additionally, these quick jumps can improve your mood by releasing endorphins, setting a positive tone for the day. Embracing this invigorating routine can help cultivate a vibrant, energetic state that counters the heaviness of the Kapha season, promoting both physical and mental clarity. I bought one of these on Amazon last year and it's been my go to in those lazy days.

   
   

3. Incorporate Cayenne Pepper into your meals and drinks. A pinch can go a long way and it's a wonderful and easy way for turning your dish into a Kapha detoxyfing one.

   
   

4. Dry brush. Daily. Apply oil. WARM.

   
   

5. Replace your normal water with warm one. Use a thermos bottle that you can carry along with you in your bag and your car. Like this one from Amazon

   
   

6. Wake up earlier. Rezist the calling of your bed. A couple of minutes more means even more of feeling lazy and brain fog. Sleeping in is a trap during this time of the year.

   
   

7. Add Tulsi into your diet. Tea, capsules, essential oil, etc.

   
   

8. Now it's the time for grapefruit and oranges. Eat plenty of them. Between 2 and 6 pm is the best time for a fruit snack. Peel, cut in slices, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and dry ginger powder over them and enjoy!

   
   

9. Don't wash your hair after 6 pm.

   
   

10. Rezist the urge of taking afternoon naps. You'll wake up even more tired than you were before.

Feel free to experiment and try out different things. Incorporating these daily strategies during the Kapha season can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. By adopting a lighter diet, engaging in energizing activities, and fostering a positive mindset, you can offset the heaviness often associated with this time of year. Consider it a way to build strong immunity, as living seasonally and managing the doshas' energies appropriately is the first step in preventing serious conditions and diseases linked to each dosha. An unbalanced Kapha can result in a stuffy nose, cough, breathing difficulties, flu-like symptoms, lung issues, and general upper respiratory tract imbalances.

Remember, small changes can lead to significant transformations! What are some of your favorite ways to stay energized during Kapha season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more tips and insights on living a vibrant, wealthy lifestyle! Your journey to balance and vitality starts here!