In Ayurveda, late Winter is considered one of the most challenging seasons. With bitter cold weather, short daylight hours and dark nights, it can play havoc with our bodies & minds. This season conversely offers us the time to slow down, go inward and recharge. It gives us the chance to rest and reflect, hibernate and withdraw. It also gives us the time to nourish & nurture our bodies with dietary & lifestyle changes to balance the Vata aggravating effects of the season.

Ayurveda recommends some very simple tips to help offset late winter challenges & bolster wellbeing:

• Diet: In late winter our bodies seek warm, unctuous and heavier foods. It is the time of year to nourish, nurture and replenish your body. Wait for the Spring to do any detoxification programs, fasting or raw food diets.
• Tastes: In Ayurveda, certain tastes help to balance the Doshas. Increase tastes to help alleviate Vata which are sweet, sour and salty.
• Exercise: Although it’s cold outside, it’s important to keep your body moving and maintain exercise routines. If you find it difficult to exercise outside, choose indoor exercise such as Yoga, Tai chi, Pilates or an indoor gym.
• Sweat it out: Make sure you sweat whether it’s through exercise or saunas. Other really helpful activities during Late winter are warm baths and self massage with warm oil.
• Meditation: This is the perfect time of year to start or deepen your meditation practice.
• Herbs for support: Herbs are a really useful addition to our late Winter routine. Herbs that nourish our adrenals and nervous systems are perfect for late winter (Examples of useful herbs for late winter: Ashwagandha, Shatavari, liquorice, Kapikachu and Brahmi) 
• Late Winter is the perfect time to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments which use warm oil to nourish the body: Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Shiro-abhyanga, steams & sweats