By practicing Ayurveda consistently, you will begin to transform your health and life vibrantly. Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda emphasizes daily practices and routines to keep you balanced while you incorporate wellness. In Ayurveda 101, you established your dosha type. Ayurveda is an individualized practice specified to your dosha, so it is important that you keep your type in mind and tailor your wellness practices accordingly.
Are you a Vata? When Vata’s are in balance they are known to be creative, adaptable, and energetic with a tendency to show initiative! When Vata’s are out of balance they are known to be anxious and overwhelmed-accompanied with the inability to sleep. In order to avoid these qualities and improve their balance, Vata’s can practice the following:
FOLLOW A ROUTINE
Vata’s loves spontaneity, which can further throw them out of balance. Create a disciplined routine around waking up, sleeping, and eating your meals. Eat meals at the same time daily and wake early (before sunrise). Go to sleep by 10 p.m. to balance your hormones and endocrine system.
SLOW DOWN THE PACE OF YOUR LIFE
Avoid multitasking and create boundaries regarding answering emails. Choose one thing and do it slowly, which will increase your focus and productivity.
SLOW DOWN YOUR WORKOUT
Avoid too many quick sports such as running. Instead, go for a sustained, longer walk out in nature. Try a more slowly paced yoga class.
INCORPORATE THE VATA DIET
Receive benefits from eating warm, cooked, moist foods that are sweet, salty, or sour in nature. Warming spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger will promote balance. Try to avoid cold foods such as salads, iced drinks, and raw vegetables/greens along with caffeine and candy.
Are you a Pitta type? Those with the Pitta dosha are known to be friendly leaders with bright dispositions when they are in balance. When the Pitta dosha suffers from imbalance, it is more likely to be angry, irritable, and judgmental. To maintain positive balance, the Pitta dosha can incorporate the following lifestyle:
PRACTICE SPORTS WITHOUT A COMPETITIVE MINDSET
Challenge yourself physically but look at the entire practice as a journey, not a destination. Stay calm and still enjoy yourself. Keep away from hot yoga or any activities in a heated environment.
DEDICATE YOUR WORK TO A HIGHER CAUSE
Cultivating an attitude of service will help ease your perfectionism and ego while allowing you to give back to others.
INDULGE IN A LITTLE SELF-CARE
Enjoy a bath with lavender and rose essential oils to soothe your soul.
INCORPORATE THE PITTA DIET
Cooler, raw foods will suit you well. Fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, milk, and oats are just some of the beneficial foods. You should focus on choosing leafy, raw greens to improve balance. Avoid hot and spicy foods such as cayenne pepper, chilies, onions/garlic, and mustard. Caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate should also be limited.
Are you a Kapha dosha? Kapha doshas are loyal, consistent, and strong. When they are feeling out of balance, they tend to become attached, congested, and resistant to change. Ways to balance the Kapha dosha are:
COMMIT TO DAILY EXERCISE
Try moving to sweat out excess energy and endure stronger exercises such as long distance running, weights, and vigorous yoga. You can also sustain some heat as you may tend to run cold. Hot yoga, or even Vinyasa, will be beneficial to you.
CREATE MORE SPONTANEITY IN YOUR LIFE
Commit to trying one new thing every month. Step outside your comfort zone and don’t spend too many nights on the couch.
CONTROL YOUR MOOD THROUGH MUSIC
Listening to music that is energizing can help to boost your mood!
INCORPORATE THE KAPHA DIET
You will benefit from light, fresh foods such as fruits. Cherries, apples, mangos, and pears are highly recommended! Barley, corn, and oats along with scrambled eggs and chicken, turkey, and rabbit are the most beneficial. Avoid spicy and bitter foods such as carrots, garlic, spinach, and fennel. Alcohol should also be minimized.
By integrating some individualized wellness practices into your life according to your dosha, you can live in a more balanced and vibrant way. Try some of the practices above and start transforming your life today!
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