Words by Rebecca Fearn.
If you often feel out of balance, you’re not alone. This time of year during the changing of seasons, we can experience an imbalance when it comes to our mental state, emotional and physical wellbeing. We get it - life can feel stressful and overwhelming, and sometimes a simple session of ‘Netflix and chill' isn’t enough to save us. But fear not, keep reading to discover the best ways to re-balance yourself using the age-old practice of Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Wellness and beauty have never been more connected, and one of the most talked-about trends of the moment is the Ayurvedic system. This ancient wisdom originates from India, and focuses on helping us to re-balance our lifestyle through improving health and well-being. The practice aims to cleanse and nourish your energy to make you feel better and less stressed. Ranges such as Rituals’ the Ritual of Ayurveda are committed to helping you live more of a balanced life and prove it’s possible to do so through your beauty routine.
Find your dosha
The first step in improving your lifestyle through Ayurvedic practices is to discover your dosha. It is essentially your mind-body type, and it’s important to find out which one you are in order to find out how to re-balance yourself and feel healthier and in tune with the world around you.
There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Although you will ultimately relate to one the most, we all have a little of each within us. Vatas are associated with the air element and tend to be creative and sensitive, yet when imbalanced they can be fearful or anxious. Pittas are most aligned with the element of fire and are usually intelligent, understanding people. However, if they are off-centre, they can act in frustration and anger. Kaphas are associated with water and earth as they are cohesive and level-headed. Imbalanced Kaphas suffer from greediness, possessiveness and stubbornness. Discover your mind-body type by taking this short Rituals’ test and take first steps towards a more balanced living.
Take time to re-balance your life
Once you’ve established which dosha you most relate to, it’s time to discover how to re-balance things (phew). Traditionally, the Ayurveda principle recommends reconnecting with the elements. If you are a Vata for example (who are air elements), get outside into nature and take a moment to just breathe and rest. Pittas are best to quite literally cool off if they get angry and fiery, either by being in water or eating and drinking cool, water-rich foods. Kaphas are encouraged to kick-start their routine and get active while also taking time to look after themselves.
Taking care of yourself is actually crucial for all doshas in order to reduce stress, stay balanced and feel better. Rituals’ the Ritual of Ayurveda acknowledges that in order to re-balance, we all need to take a second to chill out with a bit of self-care - and this is easily done through your beauty routine. Their Ayurveda-inspired range features luxurious, soothing products to help balance your dosha through relaxation.
Follow our 3-step pamper guide to feel more relaxed instantly:
- Take an evening to yourself and start by brewing a cup of Rituals’ Rose Wisdom tea. The Indian rose and Himalaya honey in the blend help to re-balance and soothe from the offset.
- After drinking your tea, pop on a candle (we like the Ritual of Ayurveda Scented Candle, which features sweet almond oil and smells AMAZING) hop into the shower and lather on the brand’s Foaming Shower Gel, or alternatively, the Body Scrub. Both contain Indian rose and sweet almond oil, so be sure to take in a few deep breaths before you wash away.
- Step out of the shower and slowly massage in a layer of the Ritual of Ayurveda Dry Oil (choose the one that matches your dosha) before climbing into bed with a good book and some cosy pjs. We feel more balanced just thinking about it…