by Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Ayurveda Practitioner
As the leaves start to turn, and we wave goodbye to summer (and our iced coffees), fall rolls in, bringing cooler temps, crisper air, and the perfect opportunity for a little reset. According to Ayurveda, this is the time to align with nature’s transition by focusing on grounding, cleansing, and strengthening your immune system. Think of it as Mother Nature’s subtle reminder to get your act together before winter hits. And don’t worry, I'm not here to suggest you swap all your meals for kale juice. These are real-life, practical tips, sprinkled with some Ayurvedic wisdom, that anyone can work into their routine (yes, even if you're still juggling 17 things at once).
1. Warm Up with Your Food
In Ayurveda, fall is dominated by the Vata dosha, which is all about air and ether. Translation? It can leave us feeling a little scattered, cold, and dry, basically like that one scarf you always lose mid-season. To counter this, bring warmth into your body through food. Focus on cooked, grounding meals that warm you from the inside out. Think soups, stews, and roasted and steamed veggies. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and turmeric aren’t just for Pinterest-worthy lattes, they actually help you stay balanced and strengthen your immune system.
One of Leslii’s Fall Favorite: Butternut Squash & Ginger Soup
Here’s a recipe to keep you cozy while also tricking your friends into thinking you're a culinary genius.
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: Coconut milk for creaminess
Directions: Roast the squash at 400°F for 25 minutes. Sauté the onion, ginger, and spices in olive oil until fragrant. Add roasted squash and broth, simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth. Swirl in a little coconut milk if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy while pretending you're filming your own cooking show.
2. Grounding Rituals for the Mind and Body
Fall's Vata vibes can leave you feeling like a balloon floating away if you're not grounded, especially for us ADHD folks (I see you). Simple grounding practices can help. Start with your feet, literally. Walk outside barefoot or sit with your feet on the ground. It's like a mini recharge station for your nervous system. Incorporate daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil to nourish your skin and settle your mind. If you want to take it up a notch, lie on the ground in Legs Up the Wall pose. (And yes, it’s my favorite, but not just because it looks impressive on Instagram.)
3. Boost Your Immunity with Spices
Who knew your spice rack could double as a pharmacy? In Ayurveda, spices are like little immune-boosting ninjas, ready to fight off those pesky seasonal colds. Turmeric is the OG of anti-inflammatories. Ginger fires up your digestion (because nobody has time for sluggish digestion). And cinnamon helps balance blood sugar. Pro tip: Add them to your tea, soups, or even that PSL (Pumpkin Spiced Latte) you’ve been hiding. Your immune system will thank you.
4. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
With the colder weather, it’s easy to forget about hydration, but Ayurveda reminds us that staying moisturized isn’t just about slapping on lotion. Sip on warm water throughout the day, skip the ice-cold drinks that put out your digestive fire. Herbal teas are great, too. And if you're looking for something fancier, try adding a slice of ginger and lemon or a dash of turmeric to your water. Bonus points if you sip it out of a cute thermos while rolling out the bottom of your feed.
5. Rest & Reset with Sleep
Vata season can make sleep elusive, hello, tossing and turning at 2 a.m. like a kid on a sugar rush. Establishing a solid bedtime routine helps keep your nervous system in check. Wind down with calming activities like reading, sipping warm milk with nutmeg, or listening to a sleep meditation. (Or if you’re like me, attempting to listen to a sleep meditation while your mind runs wild with tomorrow’s to-do list.) But seriously, sleep is where the magic happens for your immune system and mental clarity.
A Little Fall Wisdom... with a Dash of Humor
Ayurveda teaches us that when we sync with the rhythms of nature, we feel more balanced and energized. The key to thriving in fall is to embrace warming foods, grounding rituals, and rest. And don’t worry—there’s room for balance. You don’t have to give up everything you love (looking at you, pumpkin spice latte). It’s about nourishing your body and mind, so you can feel like a rock star, whether you're teaching/taking yoga, chasing after kids, or just trying to keep it all together.
Let’s Rock this Planet!
Leslii