With the leaves turning and colors changing, without a doubt we have fallen into fall. Each season has its own rhythm and set of qualities that will trigger certain elements to increase inside of us. Just like how this transformation is affecting nature, it’s affecting us as well. Our goal is to balance the increase in light, dry and cold air-like qualities during this time of the year to keep our bodies and minds grounded. How can we do that? For starters, check out these 5 life hacks for fall wellness, then read on for 5 more.

Fall wellness with these hacks

1. Keep a regular eating schedule

We talked about respecting the circadian rhythm beyond sleep, now let’s talk specifically about eating. Keeping a regular eating schedule that follows the rhythm of nature will serve you well in general, and your body will be especially grateful in the fall.

Fall is vata season, which is dominated by air-like qualities. Vata dosha can be described by irregularity. Irregular eating will affect your blood sugar level amongst other things and make it harder for your brain to function. Irregularity in your body may manifest as irregular bowel movements or constipation, which are signs of an imbalance. When imbalances are left unchecked for a long period of time, they can lead to diseases.

2. Eat slowly

It’s recommended that you always eat slowly and properly chew your food. Although it’s hard to say exactly how many times you should chew your food, the general rule of thumb is around 30-35. But what’s really important is that you focus on the effects and texture of each bite before swallowing rather than the number of chews.

3. Do lots of balancing poses

Too much vata makes it harder to focus. Your mind may be racing, your thoughts may be going in a million different directions. What’s a simple and quick way that helps you focus? Using your mind to create shapes with your body. Balancing poses force your mind to focus on the here and now, otherwise your body won’t be able to create and maintain the pose you’re asking it to do. After all, have you ever seen anyone balancing on one foot without focusing on the very act of balancing?

4. …And squatting poses

The seat of vata is the colon. Very simplistically, it means that it has a special relationship with the lower third of your torso. Therefore, any pose that puts pressure on the colon and pelvic regions helps calm vata. Squats, forward bends and happy baby are just a few ways you can help pacify vata for more balance and wellness. Hold these poses longer and move into and out of them slower than you normally would.

5. Reset your body with a fall cleanse

Fall is the perfect time to reset your body with a cleanse. What most people don’t realize is that you’ll need to “work up to” your cleanse for it to work, and believe it or not, you’ll need both oil and water during the cleansing process. And once your cleanse is over, you’ll need to gradually reintroduce foods into your diet.

For a full cleanse and rejuvenation, ayurveda uses a method called pancha karma, or 5-sense therapy, which consists of a pre-cleanse, cleanse and post-cleanse phase for the best possible outcome. It’s an elaborate process that takes place not only on a physical, but also on a mental, emotional and spiritual level.

If pancha karma is not available to you, consider doing a guided cleanse with a qualified ayurvedic practitioner nd try a balancing kidchari diet for a week. For kidchari and other recipes, and ayurvedic health and wellness challenges, check out our 7 ways to healthy eating habits online course.

Questions? Let us know in the comments. Happy fall!

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