Seasonal Routine – A Guide to Healthy Living
➤ Introduction
Seasonal Routine – A Guide to Healthy Living is the change in our diet, exercise and hygiene according to the changes in the seasons. Thus, our bodies remain balanced with seasonal changes. According to Ayurveda, it is understood that seasonal changes affect our body’s doshas (bio-energy), dhatus (tissues), and Malas (waste products).It assures that such a lifestyle prevents seasonal imbalances and keeps the individual healthy.
Living in india means that there are six seasons hence six ways of continuing lifestyle habits. So let’s take a round through every season and see what it is we adapt our habits to change in it that would help better our well-being.
➤ The Six Seasons of India
1. Sharad Ritu (Autumn) – 22 August to 21 October
Autumn-this time of year, when the sun becomes hottest, puts a lot of Pitta into intense activity, so it needs attention to corrective cooling practices.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Spend time outside at night under the cool moonlight.
- Fresh air brings additional benefits when the body comes into contact with lakes or rivers.
- Traditional festivals like Navratri and Sharad Purnima align perfectly to this season, to promote good health and wellness.
Diet Recommendations:
- Pitta pacifying food will include bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes.
- Include lentils, rice, wheat, fenugreek, turmeric, and mango dried powder in meals.
- Consume fruits like sweet lime, grapes, sapota, pomegranate, and sugarcane juice.
Clothing:
- Wear light cotton clothes in soft colors to stay airy.
- Do not wear clothes that fit tightly, so that they could entrap heat.
2. Hemant Ritu (Late Autumn) – 22 October to 21 December
When the temperature drops after autumn, our digestive power increases, making it easier to digest heavy food.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Wake up early in the morning and prioritize physical exercise.
- Massage the body with some oil, which is nourishing and warming to the skin.
- Apply sandalwood, saffron, and musk-based pastes to rejuvenation.
Diet Recommendations:
- Eating full and rich foods such as: milk, ghee, wheat, lentil, and winter vegetable.
- Eat sweet things such as: Basundi, Pedha, Barfi and Gulab during any special occasion.
- Dry fruits like dates, almonds, cashews, figs, shall give energy.
Clothing:
Wear warm silky or woolen clothes and protect against the cold.
3. Shishir Ritu (Winter) – 22 December to 21 February
The winter is a time of severe cold, and the body craves quite a lot of warmth in nourishment.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Engage in oil massage and warm bathing.
- Practice yoga and strength exercises that maintain circulation.
Diet Recommendations:
- Eat heavy, warm foods, such as bajra roti with ghee.
- Consume sesame-jaggery sweets to generate heat.
- Spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, and ajwain are to be effective with their digestion.
Clothing:
- With proper warm woolens clothing, you save yourself from cold.
- Layers like sweaters, shawls, and thick socks help retain body heat
4. Vasant Ritu (Spring) – 21 February to 20 April
Springtime sees the melting of the Kapha dosha, leading to problems with mucus.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Engage in regular exercise and abundance in oil massage.
- Festivals like Holi, where herbal colors cleanse the skin.
Diet Recommendations:
- Foods should be light and warm with a bitter taste to them.
- A diet of wheat flatbreads, lentils, bitter gourd, radish, and fenugreek should be maintained.
- Boiled and filtered water should be consumed to avoid infections.
Clothing:
- Light cotton or comfortable airy clothes ought to be worn at this time since the weather has just begun to warm up.
- Pastel or light colored clothes should be used.
5. Grishma Ritu (Summer) – 21 April to 21 June
Summer burns hot in the mouth, reduces appetite and weakens the body.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Reduce strenuous exercise.
- Sleep under the cool moonlight.
Diet Recommendations:
- Should consist of light and cooling foods: watermelon, cucumber, and grapes.
- Drink to avoid dehydration: sandalwood water, or rose water.
Clothing:
- Loose, cotton clothes of all light colors should be worn to stay cool.
- Tight, synthetics should be avoided since they trap heat.
- White and pastel shades help in the reflection of sunlight.
6. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) – 22 June to 21 August
Weakening the digestive system, monsoon sets in with a rise in Vata dosha.
Lifestyle Tips:
- No heavy exercise.
- Stay indoors and wear light, comfortable clothes.
Diet Recommendations:
- Foods that are easy to digest should be taken: moong dal, old rice, and hot soup.
- Ginger, cumin, and black pepper will support the digestion process.
- Drink boiled water. Add some dry ginger powder and black pepper. Allow it to boil, and drink it up.
Clothing:
- Prefer quick-dry clothes such as polyester, nylon, and others that fast-dry fabrics.
- Avoid heavy or tight clothes as they take longer to dry.
- Use rain-coaters, waterproof jackets, or umbrellas when going out.
➤ Conclusion
Seasonal Routine – A Guide to Healthy Living according to the seasons ensures that our body remains supported by nature. Thus, by customizing their diet, exercise regime, and lifestyle on an environmental basis, seasonal diseases can be avoided, ensuring good health.
Along with following a seasonal routine (Ritucharya) for overall well-being, understanding the Importance of air, water, and food for a healthy life is essential for maintaining good health.
