Make your transition into Spring a beautifully smooth one with these wellness tips from Anita Kaushal, co-founder of Mauli Rituals.
"As demand and awareness of holistic living continues to grow, you may have come across India's Ayurvedic rejuvenating system, yet felt unsure of quite what it is and how it can support you to be healthier of mind, body and skin. It's simpler than you think and the clues lie in nature.
Have you noticed that winter is a time when you naturally want to hibernate and as Spring approaches, there is an urge to shed the old and begin the bloom? Autumn is a time to intuitively replenish, nourish and gather in readiness for the harsh winter cycle to come around again.
This is because we are each made of the very same elemental forces that surround us and the qualities of nature are the qualities that are dominant in us. All energy is replicated on a macro and micro level, when we flow with nature's cycles, we experience greater ease and vitality.
Here in the West, stress, pollution, diet, lifestyle and the unpredictable seasons mean we become stuck in the qualities that are dominant in Autumn. These tend to manifest physcially and emotionally as dry skin and hair, forgetfulness, feeling over-whelmed and finding it hard to sleep. If this sounds like you, here are some easy steps to bring balance in readiness for the abundance of Spring."
Rise and shine
Information overload and the frantic pace of life can mean we become easily distracted and this results in falling out of sync with our daily rhythms. It's vital we savour the moment and create routines of waking and sleeping.
On waking, sip warm water with a slice of lemon to ignite your agni (fire). Find a quiet place to meditate for just twelve minutes and you'll notice that this short window of stillness will being astonishing benefits througout the day, not least an ability to concentrate.
Awaken and energise
Skin is our largest living organ and everything we put on it is absorbed by it so start the day with an invigorating shower using products that nourish and rejuvenate.
A body scrub will get the circulation going and increased blood flow will keep skin glowing. Next massage the body from tip to toe to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Dress to de-stress
We all spend too long living in dark, heavy clothes, so use Spring time as an opportunity to dress to de-stress. Choose colours based on the chakra you want to energise. From red to give stability to purple for intuition. It's a simple little change you can apply just by wearing a scarf and it will help uplift you.
Feed skin and soul
Many of us don't have time for or don't like to eat too early in the morning. It is also a fact of life that the breakfast we do eat may not be nutritious enough and that's where superfoods help.
Choose organic superfood blends that are high in adaptogens; which as the name suggests, adapt to give your body exactly what it needs to feel its best. Sprinkle these on salad or add to a smoothie and boost your nourishment.
Detox body and mind
In Ayurveda we recommend a weekly 5:2 diet to give the digestive system a chance to rest. Likewise, as we move from one season to another, energy can become disrupted and as such it's best to eat simple, moisture rich, organic foods.
Walk the talk
Slow down and if possible walk to work. If not all the way, at least to the next station and ideally through a park. The benefits of fresh air and sunshine not only feel better than being stuck in the gym; they allow you the free time to do more of what makes your heart sing.
A really important part of living a rich life is to find daily reasons to feel joyful.
Spring is a time to shed the old and every day offers an opportunity to start anew and it begins with your intention to make small, simple changes that will bring lasting results.
