Winter Wellness: Embracing Ayurveda and the Rhythms of Nature
The new year is a time of reflection and rejuvenation for all of us. For the last few years, I have been fortunate to spend the first week of the new year at the Mandali Retreat Centre, near Lago D'Orta, Piedmont, on a seven-day silent yoga retreat (side note: sadly, I was unable to attend this year as I'm recovering from a knee injury). I have found the retreat an ideal way to ground myself and set a mindful tone for the year ahead.
Nestled in the mountains, Mandali is an oasis of calm, offering magical views of Lago D’Orta and the Alps, as well as a heated outdoor pool, sauna, and twice-daily yoga, breathwork and meditation sessions. It serves as a gentle reminder that winter is a season for quietude, reflection, and self-nourishment. The focus on mindful living and meditation, fosters an environment where inner peace can flourish, providing a foundation for the year ahead.
As we step into 2025, I carry the lessons learned at Mandali, which align so well with Ayurvedic foundations. These teachings encourage us to flow with the rhythms of nature, adjusting our habits to the changing seasons. Winter, in particular, is a time to embrace stillness, nourish our bodies and restore balance.
Winter Diet: Warmth and Nourishment
Ayurveda calls for grounding and warming foods during the winter months, to counter-balance the cold, dry, and erratic qualities of the season. Root vegetables, grains, and wholesome, slow-cooked dishes like soups and stews are ideal for providing warmth and sustaining energy. Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric enhance digestion and circulation, while nourishing fats like ghee, olive oil, and nuts help to maintain hydration and vitality (ojas).
These Ayurvedic principles of nourishment resonate closely with the Scandinavian concept of hygge - the art of creating warmth, comfort, and contentment. Both Ayurveda and hygge encourage us to savour the simple pleasures of food, inviting us to slow down, appreciate the moment and feed both body and soul.
Winter Self-Care: Grounding and Rejuvenating
Winter self-care is rooted in practices that ground, restore, and nourish. The cold, dry air can leave the skin feeling rough and dehydrated, making hydration and moisture a priority. In Ayurveda, self-massage with sesame or almond oil (Abhyanga) is a time-honoured, sensual practice that not only softens the skin but also stimulates circulation, easing tension and promoting deep relaxation.
Gentle yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation are vital during the winter months. These practices calm the mind, reduce stress, and foster a deep sense of inner peace. As the world outside slows down, these practices help us align with the stillness of the season and restore balance in both body and mind.
Winter Lifestyle Adjustments: Slow Down and Stay Warm
Winter is a time to honour the body’s natural need for rest and reflection. Ayurveda teaches us to embrace a slower pace, allowing time for rest, quiet moments, and introspection. Whether it’s a tranquil walk through nature, curling up with a good book, or enjoying the warmth of our loved ones in a cosy space, winter invites us to reconnect with ourselves and the simpler joys of life.
Dressing warmly in layers and ensuring a cosy environment at home are essential to stay grounded and comfortable during the colder months. Soft, tactile fabrics like silk and cashmere add an extra layer of comfort, providing a sensory experience that nourishes the body and soul. Adding warming herbs such as cinnamon, cardamom, rose and cloves to your routine can help balance the dry and cold qualities of the season, promoting warmth and comfort.
Winter offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature’s cycles and nourish both body and soul. By embracing Ayurvedic wisdom and the simple, comforting practices that are part of winter traditions—whether Ayurvedic or hygge - we can cultivate a sense of balance, peace and rejuvenation that will carry us through the season and beyond.