It is Winter. Find the love.
From the end of fall into the winters months we move into the Vata season. Vata is made up of the light qualities of air and ether. These substance are also mobile, dry, rough and cold. Notice for yourself how these qualities in the winter affect your joints, your skin, your nails and hair. Do you feel ungrounded, are you craving cold and or dry foods and drinks. All signs of going out of balance in this season. One of the tenets of Ayurveda is like increases like. Therefore, to come back into balance we need to apply the opposite qualities of warm, heavy, and stable.
Bring awareness to your lifestyle and activities . This would be an excellent time to begin or continue a gentle yoga practice. Slow down on any excess exercise such as running or cycling as this increases Vata and can send you out of balance. Are you experiencing constipation, bloating; are you having a hard time focusing. All symptoms of imbalance.
Allow your foods to be cooked and warm, avoid raw foods. Wonderful time to sit down to a hot bowl of soup with steamed veggies for lunch when your digestion is the strongest. Don't be afraid to add healthy oils such as ghee as well to nourish your joints and belly.
Take time out of your day to relax and ground, to move inward even for 5 minutes. Turn off all electronics at least and hour before bed to calm the mind and try to be in bed by 10PM. Most importantly keep your day, your routine steady. Vata loves routine to balance, so find your routine and stick to it as best as possible.
Remember, just because it is winter and the day is shorter, that is not a reason to stay inside. Get outside and experience the beauty of the sun in the winter sky.
No matter what the season, I strongly advise you to "keep good company". Good company supports you while you support them. Balance.