New Year’s Resolutions…a tradition that is known for its quick-lasting effect. Why does the spirit of many set resolutions lose momentum after just a few weeks or so? I’m posting this on the last week of January, so many of you may already know what I am talking about!
In the eastern system of holistic medicine called Ayurveda, this time of the year is actually the least ideal time to make big changes in your life. Look all around you—the trees and plants have sent their energy down into their roots, not out into their branches. Winter, a season with drastic changes of weather, provokes everything from bodily dryness, constipation & chills, to anxiety, depression & disorganization. It is a time to go inward and reflect. If any resolution is to be set, it should be one that focuses on grounding and nourishing. The feelings you may have to sleep in, stay indoors, or have a hot cup of tea—those are our bodies’ ways of expressing a need to slow down. As I like to encourage my students in yoga class, “drop your awareness down from your headspace and into your heartspace.”
Listen to your body. Even the healthiest, most balanced person naturally feels less energized and motivated at this time of the year. Many of us fall into consumerism’s trap—purchasing gym memberships, buying health products, etc.—for a “fresh” and “new” start. We think that we can find happiness and healthiness outside of ourselves. Don’t empower the media and disempower yourself with this approach. We can easily fall into a lifetime of what we perceive as “failed fresh starts”, and eventually lose the motivation to step out of old patterns and embrace new ones simply because we are choosing the wrong time of year to embark on a new adventure.
So when does Ayurveda recommend the “out with the old, in with the new” approach?
Springtime is when buds begin to ripen amongst the trees, and our fresh ideas, thoughts, and regimens become ready for fruition. At this time, big changes we strive to make are most likely to be successful. So, start small and set reasonable intentions now, but plan to execute them in a short couple of months!
Ways to Ground in the New Year:
- Creating a healthy living environment is key, as we spend much more time indoors when it’s cold. You can translate this concept to your car, work space, and any other space that you spend a lot of time in.
- Remember that we must create space by letting go of things that no longer serve us before we can fill that space with things that spark joy and creativity. This includes people as well as possessions! Slowly weed through your belongings and make weekly trips to the thrift store as you de-clutter your home. This sets the stage for you to de-clutter your head and organize your thoughts, intensions, and relationships. In her books The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy, Marie Kondo’s ideas helped me immensely with this process. If you’re not a reader, Marie has a short Netflix series called Tidying Up that was just released that I highly recommend for snow days, lazy weekend mornings, or whenever you are ready for a little inspiration.
- Growing up, a hot cup of tea was always the first go-to when any problem arose. See my favorite chai recipe below!
- Need help developing a self-care regimen? Daily routine is the foundation of Ayurvedic healing. Most important is how we conduct each morning. Stay tuned for a morning routine post!
