Registered Nutritionist & Ayurveda Consultant

In Ayurveda, spring is considered the Kapha season, and it is important to maintain balance in this season to avoid feeling lethargic or congested. Today, I am going to share my top Maharishi Ayurveda dietary and lifestyle tips for spring and how to increase happiness through these ancient principles that can be applied to the modern life.

In Ayurveda, food is considered medicine, and the right diet can help balance the doshas and maintain overall health. And herbal preparations are most effective when a healthy diet is in place based upon the individual doshas and season. In spring, it is important to focus on foods that are light, warm, and dry to balance the Kapha dosha. Here are some Ayurvedic dietary tips for spring:

  1. Eat warm, light foods: In spring, the weather can be unpredictable, and it is important to eat foods that are easy to digest and warm to maintain balance. Foods such as soups, steamed vegetables, and warm grains are great options.
  2. Reduce dairy and heavy foods: Kapha is the dominant dosha in spring, and it is characterised by heaviness and congestion. To avoid feeling sluggish or congested, it is important to reduce heavy and dairy-based foods such as cheese, ice cream, and fried foods.
  3. Add spices: Spices such as ginger, black pepper, and cumin can help stimulate digestion and improve circulation. Adding these spices to your food can help maintain balance in the Kapha season. You can even add some Kapha Churna to your cooking.
  4. Drink warm water: Drinking warm water can help stimulate digestion and remove toxins from the body. It is important to avoid cold drinks in spring as they can increase congestion. You can also drink warm with lemon and ginger or have a cup of Kapha tea.
  5. Reduce sweet, salty, and sour foods: Foods that are sweet, salty or sour can aggravate the Kapha dosha and increase congestion. It is important to reduce foods that contain added sugar or are generally high in sugar such as fruit juices.

In addition to diet, Ayurveda also emphasises lifestyle practices to maintain balance in the doshas. Here are some Ayurvedic lifestyle tips for spring:

  1. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is important in maintaining overall health and can help stimulate circulation and improve digestion. In spring, it is important to engage in light exercises such as yoga, walking, and swimming to maintain balance
  2. Wake up early: According to Ayurveda, waking up early in the morning, especially during the Vata time of the day which is between 2 and 6 am, can help stimulate the Kapha dosha and improve overall energy levels. It is recommended to wake up before sunrise and engage in meditation or yoga to start the day.
  3. Practice oil pulling: Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth to remove toxins and improve oral health. It is recommended to practice oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil in the morning after brushing your teeth.
  4. Take regular breaks: Spring can be a busy season, and it is important to take regular breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Taking short breaks throughout the day to practice deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress levels.
  5. Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature can help balance the doshas and improve overall well-being. In spring, it is recommended to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or walking in nature.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said that “every experience can lead to bliss.” Likewise, Maharishi Ayurveda emphasises the importance of creating balance in the doshas to maintain overall health and happiness. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to increase happiness:

  1. Practice gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from negative to positive emotions and improve overall well-being. It is important to take a few minutes every day to reflect on the things you are grateful for and appreciate the positive things in your life.
  2. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is an important part of maintaining balance and happiness. This can include things such as taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or practicing yoga or meditation.
  3. Connect with others: Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others can help improve overall well-being. Spending time with friends and family, or volunteering for a cause you care about, can help increase happiness and reduce stress levels.
  4. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and happiness. Ayurveda recommends going to bed early and waking up early to align with the natural rhythms of the day. If you have difficulty sleeping, especially because of any overactive mind, you can try Peace at Night which balances Prana Vata. Generally, when its worrisome thoughts or anxiety that is keeping you from sleeping well at night, its a sign that Vata is out of balance. Another alternative to the tablets is to have a cup of warm tea before bed. I recommend Good Night tea which also supports a good night’s sleep.
  5. Practice meditation: Meditation, in particular, Transcendental Meditation, has been proven scientifically to help reduce stress levels and increase happiness. Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and the nervous system to take us from flight-or-fight mode to rest-and-digest mode.

In general however if you feel that you do not have enough energy because the heaviness of spring is weighing you down, you can also try Rasayana for Energy as it keeps your channels clear and improves circulation so that you have more energy.

Maharishi Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to health and well-being, with a focus on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. By following Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices, it is possible to maintain balance in the Kapha season and improve overall health and happiness. Remember to practice gratitude, self-care, connect with others, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness to increase happiness through Ayurveda.