As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, fall ushers in a time of transition. It's a season that brings a unique energy and a need for adjustments in our daily routines.

Fall and early winter, dominated by the air element, are considered the Vata time of year in Ayurveda. The qualities of the season, such as dryness, coolness, and movement, also manifest within us.

To keep your digestion moving, skin juicy and immune system strong during this time, it's essential to adopt routines that nurture and warm our inner fire!

Here's a guide to help you embrace the best routines in fall and early winter for you body

1. Stoke Your Digestive Fire (Agni):

Agni, your digestive fire, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. In the fall and early winter, it's especially important to keep your Agni strong. Incorporate practices like mindful eating, avoiding heavy or cold foods, and staying hydrated. Warming digestive teas and herbs can also be beneficial.

2. Sip Warm Ginger Tea:

Ginger is a wonderful ally during this season. Its warming and soothing properties can help balance the cool and dry qualities of fall. Sipping on warm ginger tea throughout the day can be a comforting and grounding practice for digestion, it keeps things moving and brings spice to stoke Agni. See my easy Ginger Tea Recipe.

3. Daily Oil Massage:

A daily oil massage, known as Abhyanga, is a powerful practice to nurture your body and mind. Sesame oil is an excellent choice for the colder months, as it is both nourishing and warming. Alternatively, Mahanarayan oil can provide relief for aching joints and pain. This self-massage not only benefits the skin but also helps ground the restless energy that can lead to anxiety and sleeplessness.

4. Warm Ginger Bath:

Taking a warm bath with ginger powder can stimulate circulation and warm your body from the outside. This is especially soothing on chilly winter days and can help you relax and rejuvenate. Fill a bath with hot water, add a tablespoon of powdered ginger or cut about an inch of fresh ginger into slices and toss in bath.

5. Prioritize Sleep:

Adequate rest is a cornerstone of maintaining good health, and winter is the perfect time to indulge in extra sleep. Going to bed between 9:00 and 10:00 pm can align your sleep with the natural rhythms of the season, allowing your body to recharge and enhance its immune power.

6. Dress in Layers:

Keeping warm is essential during the colder months. Dressing in layers helps trap heat and keeps you comfortable. While dark colors like black and blue are stylish, they absorb light and may contribute to feelings of emptiness, which can be heightened during this season. Opt for warmer, lighter shades to brighten your mood.

7. Avoid Raw and Cold Foods:

In tune with the wisdom of our ancestors, avoid raw and cold foods like salads, ice water, and smoothies during winter. Opt for warm, nourishing meals that support your body's energy needs in the cooler weather. Think soups, stews and cooked veggies.

8. Embrace Simplicity:

With the holiday season approaching, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of consumerism and over-commitment. Rediscover the joy of simpler holiday traditions, focusing on family, home, and nurturing. Stay local, enjoy the warmth of your fire, and create meaningful connections.

9. Soothing Bedtime Rituals:

End your day with calming rituals, such as a warm spiced medicinal milk. Adding a half teaspoon of ghee can enhance its vata-soothing and immunity-boosting properties. Avoid loud music, bright lights or excessive exercise before bedtime. These practices can disrupt your sleep and inner balance.

10. Warming Exercise:

Adjust your exercise routine to align with the season. Embrace more active and warming forms of exercise, such as yoga. Focus on backbends and laterals to invigorate your spirit during the darker days of winter.

Incorporating these routines into your daily life can help you maintain balance and warmth during the fall and early winter seasons. By tending to your inner fire, you can nourish your body, mind, and spirit, ensuring a harmonious and invigorating experience during this transformative time of year. So, light a fire, sip some ginger tea, and embrace the wisdom of the season to thrive in the embrace of fall and early winter.