with Holly Zoffoli
The winter months are often hectic and full of good cheer, social events and an excess of food & treats. Extra time with, or the absence of, family leaves some of us content, others emotionally raw. The days are short and cold as we celebrate our lives and plan for the year ahead.
In addition to my Ayurveda workshop on February 1st, here are 10 Easy Ayurvedic Tips to support optimal heath this season:
1. SLEEP MORE
Add 30-60 minutes to either or both sides of your day. Our bodies heal while we sleep!
2. WARM WATER and HONEY A.M.
Aids digestion, cleanses urinary tract & colon, lymphatic system, boosts energy & mood.
3. SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE
Assists in the removal of toxins from digestive system.
4. EAT BREAKFAST
Skipping this meal can put your cravings and digestive fire out of balance for the day. If you don’t ‘feel’ hungry, take some ginger tea or chai to stimulate appetite.
5. STRETCH
Take a few 5 minute stretch/breath breaks throughout the day. Join a class at Yoga Garden SF!
6. SWEAT
10-15 minutes of exercise/vigorous yoga asana, a steam room, or a hot bath is cleansing. This will help keep your complexion radiant, too.
7. SIP WARM WATER
Throughout the day, not cold. Try skipping ice altogether- especially while eating food. Keeping the digestive fire stoked is essential for healthy balance.
8. EMBRACE YOUR BODY
Fear not a few extra pounds in winter, it will help keep you warm, grounded & healthy. Eat seasonal fruits & root veggies cooked with ghee & spices. Especially cloves, ginger & cinnamon which will improve digestive flora and warm the body.
9. TRIPHALA BEFORE BED
Helps your digestive system work better on it’s own therefore improving both conditions of constipation & diarrhea. You may need to experiment to find the amount right for you or consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
10. PACE YOURSELF
Enjoy the flavors and take smaller portions of decadent winter foods. If you eat slowly and mindfully you will find you need smaller quantities of these treats to be satisfied.
With an Ayurvedic perspective the body can be seen as having a set of systems and channels that naturally both BUILD AND CLEANSE tissue, blood, plasma, bones, etc. Our goal is to use what we have available to us to assist our bodies in these natural functions and maintain a comfortable level of balance.
Almost anything can be seen as a factor that effects us: seasons, time of day, dietary choices and stress. By addressing the ever changing needs of our bodies we can better enjoy ourselves in our healthiest and highest state of being 😉
I look forward to seeing you in February for my Ayurveda workshop!
Namaste
Holly Zoffoli
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Holly is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist & Licensed Esthetician. Following her curiosity about the natural world led her to begin Holistic Health studies in 1991.
Having experienced chronic and severe back pain as a result of multiple car accidents and the discovery that she has scoliosis led her to a deep understanding about the human body, it’s ability to repair itself, adapt & transform. She enjoys using herbs, oils, dance, nature hikes and martial arts to keep herself in balance. Holly is sensitive to the magical mysteries & subtle energies that surround us and is passionate about using her intuitive gifts and the wisdom that has been passed to her to share with others along their healing journey.
