When you are in a garden, it’s easy to see how vegetables, fruits, and flowers are naturally affected by the rhythms of nature. For some reason we see ourselves outside this circle of life. Our bodies are also naturally affected by the environment we live in. Ayurveda gives us ancient wisdom, which is very intuitive and practical, to be able to adapt and adjust to the seasonal changes in weather. When it’s hot outside we wear thinner clothing, shorts, tank-tops and hats to shade us from the sun. As we adjust our clothing with the change of weather, we also need to modify our food and Yoga practices to maintain balance within our mind and body. There is a principle in modern science, Ayurveda, and nature: Like increases like, and opposites balance.

Fall brings more vata qualities—coldness, dryness, and lightness. We naturally crave heavier meals, soups and stews during this time of year. The qualities of these foods, heavy, moist, and warm, can be thought of as the opposite of vata; thus, balancing vata dosha. Going back to that basic principle, opposites balance. 

Making slight adjustments in our nutrition, daily routine and Yoga practice can help us help us stabilize our energy and transition into the seasons more smoothly. We all experience the colder months differently, depending on our constitution. 

Here are a few Ayurvedic tips to help balance your energy as the weather cools. To discover and learn more about your dosha type, take a dosha quiz.

VATA

If your vata is very high, you may feel extra challenged during the colder months because of the increased vata qualities in the environment. Remember that basic principle, like increases like. In order to balance, you’ll need to make friends with pairs of opposites. If you are someone who has a tendency towards dry skin, an unctuous abhyanga practice (self oil massage) can be particularly helpful during this time of year as we tend to spend more time indoors in heated rooms. 

EAT

Replacing leafy raw salads with steamed-vegetable salads is especially important for vata dosha. Avoid or minimize cold foods—cold salads, smoothies, iced coffee (which naturally increase vata), and can exacerbate the cold qualities of the season and potentially leave you feeling ungrounded.

LIMIT

Dry foods, exposure to drying heat sources, extended periods outdoors in windy environments.

PITTA

Pitta types are fueled by more of the fire element. I can speak for myself here, when this energy is not in balance, we may easily become irritable, han-gry, experience diarrhea or skin rashes. Its important we find ways to dissipate that fiery-ness in healthy ways.

EAT

Think of the pairs of opposites. What might balance fire? Water! Staying hydrated is very important. Cooked foods like zucchini, swiss chard, green beans, and cooling foods like fennel, cilantro, coriander seeds and coconut can help balance the fire energy.

LIMIT

Avoid chilies and other over-heating spices. For those of us with sensitive skin avoiding deep-fried foods is also a good idea in fall, and year round in general. 

KAPHA

Kapha dosha has the qualities of dampness and grounding. This dosha tends to adapt more easily to fall/winter weather because these months bring a dry and light quality, remembering the basic principle, opposites balance. Because of excess moisture with Kapha dosha there may be a tendency towards colds and congestion. Adding chillies and pungent spices can help bring balance. 

EAT

Kapha in excess can cause water retention and weight gain. To avoid that, eat foods that are dryer, warm, and light, like seasonal fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Chilies, cauliflower and broccoli, leafy greens, lentils, and beans are also really good for balancing kapha.

LIMIT

Sugary foods and too much dairy.