As the Fall leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to cozy up and nourish your body and mind.

You’ve likely noticed the increase in anxiety this season. Fall is known as Vata season in Ayurveda. Vata is dominated by the elements air + ether. 

We are the microcosm to the macrocosm, meaning we follow nature. As the wind increases mobility in our environment, it increases mobility in the mind. Fall is about movement, creativity, and transition. But along with this comes an ungrounding and an excess of mobility (the inability to quiet your mind). 

Ayurveda is filled with gems to nourish both your physical and mental well being in this windy season. Over the years of working as a Health Coach, I’ve been able to piece together three notable patterns.

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1. Anxiety issues rise in the Fall when it’s windy and dry, and in the peri + menopause stage of life, which is the transition from Pitta (fire) to Vata (air).

2. Feelings of anxiety are accompanied by digestive issues, so gut health becomes a vital component to soothing the nervous system.

3. We are all living an anxiety provoking lifestyle, and this part of the healing process is not often addressed in western medicine.

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My 3 favorite ways to alleviate anxiety throughout the Fall, and in times of high Vata:  Ghee, Abhyanga, and Dinyacharya.

1️⃣ Nourish Your Mind and Body with Ghee

Ghee, or clarified butter, is one of the best ways to pacify Vata dosha, which tends to be aggravated during the Fall. It’s rich in essential fatty acids that support your brain health and stabilize your emotions. 

Properly sourced ghee is revered in Ayurveda for its healing qualities. Ghee has the ability to nourish all 7 layers of tissue within 24 hours, meaning its impact is immediate. It has an almost perfect absorption rate, which is why it’s so soothing to the gut. When you soothe your gut, you produce healthy blood, that then bathes and nourishes every cell in your body. Think of it like a cozy blanket for your brain.

How to use ghee for anxiety relief:

• Add a teaspoon of ghee to your morning oatmeal or porridge.
• Use ghee for cooking and sautéing your vegetables, and in any warm dish like soup or rice.
• Enjoy a warm glass of spiced whole milk or almond milk with a teaspoon of ghee before bedtime for better sleep and relaxation.

Note: When using milk, favor raw, non-homogenized or A2 milk, and bring to a light boil with cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric for digestibility. 

2️⃣ Self care through oil massage

Abhyanga, self-massage with warm oil, is one of the most soothing parts of an Ayurvedic daily routine. During Fall, it becomes even more vital as it helps to counteract the dry, cold, and erratic qualities of the season.

It also becomes especially impactful for those of you feeling burned out and/or are in the perimenopause and menopause stage of life.

The rhythmic and loving application of oil not only nourishes the skin, but also calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. Choose warming oils like sesame or almond for the fall season to further balance Vata dosha.

How to practice Abhyanga:

• Warm the oil slightly.
• Start from your scalp and work your way down to your feet, using long, gentle strokes on the long bones and circular motion on your belly and joints.
• Leave the oil on for at least 15-20 minutes, then follow by a warm bath or shower.

It’s incredible that something this simple can…

• Soothe your nervous system
• Stimulate lymphatic circulation
• Ease constipation
• Lubricate your joints
• Boost immunity
• Lead to glowing skin 
• Nurture deep sleep
• Promote growth of healthy hair 

3️⃣ Daily routines for balance

A lack of routine feels erratic and unsafe to your nervous system.

Dinacharya, daily routine, is one of the MOST impactful practices to align your body and mind with the natural rhythms of the day. It’s your personal prescription for peace and balance.

A nourishing, consistent routine can help reduce anxiety by creating a sense of order and predictability. The body thrives with structure.

Create a Fall Dinacharya:

• Wake up early, at the same time each day and ideally before sunrise.
• Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water to support digestion.
• Meditate (even 5 minutes makes a difference!)
• Set regular mealtimes. Your body will begin producing digestive enzymes in anticipation when it knows what’s coming.
• Wind down in the evenings with a warm sesame oil massage, followed by an Epsom salt bath.
• Be in bed by 10 pm.

Small, consistent habits create huge change in the body and mind. Create a simple routine that you look forward to, and soak up the benefits of carving out time for yourself each day. 

The better you feel, the better you can show up for what matters the most to you.