Have you been feeling sluggish, weighed down or maybe even a little grumpy? If so, you are definitely not alone. I’ve been feeling that way too!

During the winter, when the air feels cold and heavy and life seems to move more slowly, it’s only natural to feel this way in your body.

While we may not be able to control the weather, we can learn to live in harmony with the environment by making just a few adjustments to our daily routine.

According to the principles of Ayurveda, establishing a daily routine that is in alignment with nature is one of the surest ways to build strength, vitality and stability in your body and your mind.

I have been following the principles of Ayurveda for many years now and whenever I am adjusting my diet and lifestyle routine, I always focus on these 3 things: what I’m eating, how I’m moving my body and when I’m resting my body.

These are just a few of the adjustments that I make for the winter season:

Nourish Your Body

If you’ve been noticing your appetite is stronger in the winter, it’s definitely not your imagination.

The reason you may find yourself craving a more substantial diet this time of year is because your body needs more fuel in order to keep you warm and healthy in the cold weather.

That being said, it’s important to eat to satiate your hunger and avoid overindulging. 😉

For a supportive winter diet:

* Focus on eating warm, cooked, slightly oily, well-spiced foods.

* Drink room temperature, warm or hot beverages. Avoid chilled or iced drinks.

* Eat hearty vegetables like onions, carrots, and other root vegetables.

* Enjoy cooked grains and warm soups as they will do wonders for your body in the winter.

Move Your Body

Now that you know what to eat, it’s time to get some exercise. Moving your body is one of the best ways to support optimal physical and emotional health during the winter months.

When you are choosing how and when to exercise, it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re feeling overextended, you may want to consider exercises like walking or yoga.

If, on the other hand, you are feeling heavy and lethargic, a more vigorous workout like a bike ride, a run or a hike might be just what your body needs in order to boost your energy.

Whatever type of exercise you choose, the best time of day to exercise is in the morning between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Rest Your Body

Winter is characterized by shorter days and longer nights so it’s the perfect opportunity to give your body the rest it needs.

Fortunately for us, sleep tends to come easily this time of year so as the sun goes down, you want to start winding down as well. If possible, try to be asleep by 10:00 p.m.

The ultimate time for our bodies to rest, digest and rejuvenate is between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Ideally, you want to try to take advantage of this opportunity to replenish your body.

Although it might not feel this way, winter can be a very restorative time of year.

When we take the time to adjust our diet and lifestyle to accommodate the seasons, we gently coax our body into a state of equilibrium and drastically reduce the likelihood of seasonal imbalances.

Wishing you a restorative winter season filled with many blessings,