WINTER
a time for rest and reflection, warmth, and comfort.
vata season
Fall and winter are the seasons of Vata, and during this time our bodies benefit from foods that are warming, moist, and grounding. It’s natural to crave comforting meals like soups, freshly baked bread, butter, and pumpkin pie spices as the weather cools—these cravings are wisdom, not indulgence. Along with nourishing foods, Vata season also calls for slower rhythms, cozy rituals, and extra care for the skin, which tends to become drier and more sensitive. Embrace warmth in how you eat, move, and care for yourself, and try to minimize cold, raw foods and over-stimulation during these months.
Rituals & Lifestyle
Morning ritual: warm water, gentle meditation, or breathwork to wake the nervous system slowly
Daily Abhyanga: full-body warm oil massage to nourish deeply and soothe nerves
Evening wind-down: candlelight, sound baths, warm baths, reading, or journaling
Movement: slow walks, restorative yoga, gentle stretching
Digital detox: limit social media and screens to prevent sensory overload
Sleep: aim for early, consistent bedtime for deeper rest
Skin Care Tips
Moisturize generously, ideally post-shower or post-shower balm or lotion
Gentle exfoliation weekly
Nourishing masks or compresses 1–2x/week
Protect from winter UV with light SPF
Warm compresses for dryness or tension in face and hands
Diet & Foods to Favor
Heavier, grounding foods: stews, porridges, cooked grains like quinoa, barley, rice
Rich fats: ghee, coconut oil, nut butters
Spices: warming but not overstimulating—cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper
Seasonal fruits & vegetables: cooked pears, apples, winter squash, root vegetables
Hydration: warm teas, golden milk, herbal infusions
Avoid: cold or raw foods, iced drinks, excessive dryness in snacks
