The foundation of Ayurveda, also known as “the science of life,” is rooted in holistic balance. Creating harmony among our internal environment and the natural world around us is key to promoting peace and greater wellbeing in every aspect of life. In Ayurveda, spring is associated with stability, grounding, and nurturing, or “Kapha Dosha-” the mind-body element associated with earth and water. As our external environment changes with the seasons, our lifestyle changes too. School is almost out, temperatures climb, the sun rises earlier and earlier as we near the summer solstice, and with more sun-lit hours in the day to take advantage of, our self-care routine requires a leveling up! Read on to learn 6 Ayurvedic rituals designed to sync your self-care routine with the seasons and to feel a greater sense of strength and stability this spring.
HYDRATION
- Hydrated skin starts within. Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintain hydration and flush out toxins from the body. And while you may be tempted to reach for ice water when the weather warms up, room temperature water actually provides more benefits! Start your day with a glass of room temperature or warm/hot water to boost your metabolism and kick-start your digestive system. You can also add a slice of fresh lemon or ginger to your water to enhance the taste and aid digestion.
- Prioritize hydrating products. Achieving glowing skin requires proper hydration both inside and out. Prepare your skin for warmer weather by incorporating a deeply hydrating, all-in-one serum and hydrating mask for radiant, renewed skin. Our MahaMask™ Pampering Moisture Treatment and SundaSkin™ Essential Hydrating Serum provide skin with a dose of intense hydration that will last all day long and allow skin to glow on its own or create the perfect base for makeup.
Priti Tip: Sip on an immunity-boosting Ginger Elixir while doing your morning skincare routine! Just combine warm water with fresh ginger, raw honey, and lemon juice to taste. This Ayurvedic remedy aids digestion and supports a healthy respiratory system– a must-have for allergy season!
DIGESTION
- Eat in-season for skin that glows from the inside out. As the season changes, it's important to adjust your diet accordingly. Shop in-season as often as possible and do your best to avoid heavy, oily, or processed foods that can slow down your digestion. These superfoods (see below) come packed with natural skincare benefits. Your local farmers market is a great place to find them at their seasonal peak- save this list for your next trip to see if they’re in season!
- Avocados, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Collard Greens, Garlic, Lemons, Mushrooms, Pineapples, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Turnips
- Prioritize nourishing, “no-scroll” meals. Mindful eating without distractions is essential to optimize digestion. Yes, that means putting your phone away! Avoid eating in front of digital screens and instead take this time to thoughtfully savor each bite to restore balance in the digestive and nervous system and promote whole-body healing.
Priti Tip: Avocados are naturally rich in Vitamin E, C, and alpha-linoleic acid which helps to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation in the skin. Pair it with sliced watermelon radish ( a great natural source of hyaluronic acid) on whole-grain toast for a delicious pick-me-up for both skin and soul.
CIRCULATION
- Practice yoga. Incorporating a yoga flow into your routine is a great way to promote healthy blood flow from head to toe and remove any stagnant blockages of energy. Check out our 5-Minute Yoga Flow here!
- Practice facial massage. Because spring is a season of Kapha Dosha associated with heavy, cool, dense, and stable qualities, making time for gentle movement that promotes circulation is key. To perform a lymphatic drainage massage, use an Ayurvedic face oil (coconut oil, rosehip oil, and sea buckthorn oil are a few of our favorites) to gently massage your face in upward circular motions. Begin at the base of the neck and knead your skin in upward motions toward the jaw, up each side of the face. Then, using your index and middle fingers, form a “hook shape” and glide your knuckles along your jawline and cheekbones, following the curve of your bones out from your nose toward the ears. This can help stimulate blood flow, promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and give your skin an overall healthy glow.
Striking harmony between our internal environment and external environment is the ultimate way to balance mind, body, and soul. Incorporate these Ayurvedic tips into your daily routine, and you'll be on your way to feeling grounded and refreshed in the spring days ahead.
