5 Ayurvedic Tips for Maintaining Wellness Throughout the Holidays
Summer Refreshment - Cucumber & Mint Water
The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and joy—but it can also bring stress, indulgence, and exhaustion. To stay balanced and thriving during the festive fun, Ayurveda offers some valuable wisdom. Here are five Ayurvedic tips for maintaining wellness throughout the holidays:
1 - Embrace Foods that Balance and Nourish
With holiday spreads filled with rich dishes, it’s easy to feel overindulged. Ayurveda reminds us to balance by choosing foods that align with the season and feel right for our system. Reach for fresh, seasonal produce, light and hydrating ingredients, and spices that support digestion without overwhelming.
Try incorporating bitter and astringent veggies like zucchini, broccoli, leafy greens, celery, green beans, and fennel root. Light, neutral grains such as quinoa, white basmati, and barley provide energy without weighing you down. Cool, light proteins like mung beans and tofu, as well as refreshing coconut options (coconut water, milk, meat, or coconut sugar), are ideal. Cooling spices and herbs like fennel seeds, coriander, cardamom, mint, turmeric, and aloe juice add gentle flavour and aid digestion.
Focus on smaller, well-balanced meals that nourish without leaving you overly full. Eating mindfully and savouring each bite can help you feel both satisfied and energised throughout the season.
Following these Ayurvedic tips can keep you grounded and joyful through all the festivities!
2 - Stay Cool and Hydrated with Ayurvedic Summer Refreshers
As the festive season brings the heat, it’s important to stay hydrated while supporting your digestion. Ayurveda recommends refreshing, cooling drinks to balance your digestive fire (agni) and keep you feeling light and energised.
Try this simple Ayurvedic summer drink:
In a jug, combine fresh mint leaves, cucumber slices, and a pinch of fennel seeds (optional).
Fill the jug with cool or room-temperature water and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes.
Add a squeeze of lime or a touch of raw honey for a bit of sweetness.
Enjoy this refreshing drink throughout the day to stay hydrated, balanced, and vibrant this summer!
3 - Incorporate Weekly Self-Massage (Abhyanga) for Summer Balance
The festive season can sometimes bring extra stress, and it’s important to care for your nervous system. Ayurveda recommends incorporating a weekly self-massage, or Abhyanga, to help restore balance and cool down from the summer heat.
Traditionally, warm sesame oil is used for its nourishing and grounding properties, but if you’re experiencing Pitta aggravation (feeling overheated, irritable, or fiery), you can opt for a cooling medicated oil. These oils are infused with herbs that help calm inflammation and reduce excess heat in the body.
This practice:
Calms the mind and soothes the nervous system
Enhances circulation and supports natural detoxification
Promotes deep relaxation and better sleep
Try dedicating 20 to 30 minutes weekly to this practice, make it as a ritual, either in the morning or before a cool shower, to reconnect with yourself and find a moment of tranquility. If you’re unsure which oil is right for you, be sure to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised advice.
4. Mindful Movement, Breathwork, and Nature Connection
The holiday season can often throw off your regular exercise routine, but Ayurveda reminds us of the importance of mindful movement to support your energy and overall wellbeing. To stay balanced and grounded during this busy time, focus on activities that align with your body’s needs.
Incorporate gentle exercises like yoga stretches or a brisk walk, and take the opportunity to swim or spend time in nature when the sun is lower in the sky. Swimming, with its cooling effects, is particularly soothing for Pitta during the summer months. These practices:
Stimulate prana (life force energy)
Improve digestion and detoxification
Help to balance stress hormones
Along with mindful movement, pranayama (breathwork) can be a powerful tool to keep calm and centred. Try Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to regulate your nervous system and maintain inner peace amidst the holiday hustle.
By combining movement, breath, and time in nature, you can nourish your mind and body, keeping stress at bay while feeling grounded through the festive season.
5 - Prioritise Rest and Rejuvenation this Summer
During the festive celebrations, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of rest. Ayurveda teaches that quality rest is essential for maintaining ojas (vital energy), which supports immunity and vitality. To stay balanced during the holiday season, ensure you:
Create a consistent sleep schedule
Unplug from devices an hour before bed
Practise a calming ritual like sipping on a refreshing peppermint or chamomile tea, or simply enjoy some soft music to unwind
These small yet powerful practices help you recharge and ensure you're rested and rejuvenated, so you can fully enjoy your summer festivities with energy and joy.