Embrace November with These Essential Selfcare Tips
Updated: 5 days ago
Welcome to November! As we transition into this month, we are greeted by the unmistakable chill in the air, accompanied by dry winds that sweep through our surroundings. This climatic shift is not just a change in temperature; it is a manifestation of Vata dosha as described in Ayurveda, which is associated with qualities such as coldness, dryness, and movement (or windy).
During this time, it becomes increasingly important to be mindful of how these elements can affect our physical and mental well-being. The Vata energy can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and even dryness in our skin and hair, making it essential to adopt practices that promote balance and harmony within ourselves. To counteract the qualities of Vata, we should seek to incorporate the opposite characteristics into our self-care routines. This means embracing warmth, moisture, and grounding practices that can help stabilize our energy and enhance our overall health. Embrace November with some of these essential selfcare tips that can assist you in nurturing your body and mind during this Vata season.
November Selfcare Tips
Food
Focus on consuming warm, cooked meals that are rich in healthy fats and proteins. Include hearty whole grains, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. Favor sweet and earthy root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and potatoes. Be sure
to eat healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and ghee (clarified butter). Cook with the warming spices of ginger, garlic, cayenne, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Meats and poultry are fine this time of year (think Thanksgiving turkey), and soft cheeses like feta and goat cheese are also good. I love the goat cheese logs rolled in cinnamon and cranberries! Also, while the air may be dry, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Choose warm herbal teas, broths, and infused water to keep your body hydrated from within.
Lifestyle
With the days becoming shorter and colder, you may want to stay home more often and cozy up with a loved one, a pet, or with a book. Travelling and visiting with family and friends will come later in the month when we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., so for now, stay in and relax if you’d like. Did you turn back the clocks this past weekend? If so, you’re probably feeling wiped out. This time change abruptly messes with your circadian rhythm, or your internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. This is normal and should pass within a few weeks. Continue with your same bedtime each night and your body will adjust. See The Power of Sleep for tips on getting a good night's sleep.
Skin Health
The cold winds and indoor heat can wreak havoc on your skin. You may notice your skin becoming drier, so consider using a humidifier to keep moisture in the air. Avoid overly hot baths and showers because they dry out the skin; and try Abhyanga, or simply massage warm oil into your skin after your bath to prevent your skin from drying out. Try some of these other skincare tips for the fall.
Exercise
The coldness can make your muscles stiff, so be sure to exercise. Walking, hiking, biking, dancing, tai chi, and yoga are wonderful exercises, because they’re grounding yet fluid. Also, a few rounds of Sun Salutation first thing in the morning will wake you up and get your circulation going.
Grounding Practices
Engage in activities that promote a sense of stability and grounding. This could include yoga practices, especially Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga, or meditation techniques that help center your mind and body, allowing you to feel more rooted.
Herbal Remedies
With winter right around the corner, support your immune system with any of the following herbs and supplements: Astragalus, Echinacea, Reishi Mushroom, Elderberry, Eleuthero Root, Turmeric, zinc, and/or vitamin C.
To destress and support your nervous system (especially important since the holidays are coming up), try some of these herbs: Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Eleuthero Root, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Holy Basil, California Poppy, Kava Kava, Shatavari, Skullcap, and/or Valerian.
Golden Milk, aka Turmeric Milk, is a warm, spiced milk that supports both the immune system and nervous system. So, if you have trouble sleeping, make a cup of Golden Milk before bed for a good night’s sleep. You could also try Moon Milk made with lavender.
By integrating these self-care strategies into your daily life, you can effectively counterbalance the qualities of Vata dosha that November brings. Remember that taking care of yourself during this time is not just about physical health; it also involves nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the warmth and comfort that this season can offer, and allow yourself to flourish despite the cold, dry winds. With intentional self-care, November can be a month of grounding, nourishment, and rejuvenation.
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