How we care for our health looks a little different from one person to the next. Ayurveda means “Knowledge of Life” and holds to the philosophy that everyone is composed a little differently so only you truly know what will help you feel balanced. Ayurveda prescribes taking preventative steps to protecting your long-term health. By ensuring our health is in the best shape it can be, our spirits will be light and free. Let’s look at a few ways you can practice prevention that are natural and organic for you.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda originated in India as an ancient healing system. It’s grounded in the belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and must be balanced for total health. Ayurvedic theory states that each person is made up of five elements (water, air, earth, space, and fire), and these elements combine to make up three energies called doshas. These energies make up our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual characteristics. Each person has a mix of these energies, and one of their doshas is usually more influential than the others. This means that how we achieve balance varies from one person to the next.
Preventative Methods for Balance and Health
If you take actions to care for your body, mind, and spirit, you will feel nourished and strengthened overall. Here are just a few preventative methods you can incorporate into your daily life to care for yourself.
Do Yoga
Practicing yoga can be used as a preventative measure to keep diseases or conditions from developing or worsening. Yoga is not only a physical practice; it’s also an emotional and mental practice. While it strengthens and tones muscles and improves flexibility, it eases stress and anxiety and increases self-awareness. Yoga and Ayurveda harmonize together to prevent disease by connecting you with nature, physical movement, and your breath. Establishing a regular yoga practice is a great first step towards promoting overall health and freeing your spirit. Sign up for a yoga class here.
Drink Herbal Tea
Just like yoga, herbal tea can have several physical and mental health benefits. Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, herbal teas are the natural boost to your health that you need. Drinking herbal teas strengthens your immune system, improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and relaxes and refreshes your mind. With so many flavors to choose from, you’ll never get bored of this healthy drink. By incorporating this preventative measure into your daily routine, your mind and body will thank you for the moments of peace and the sip of antioxidants.
Take Natural Vitamins
When your body’s lacking an essential nutrient, you’ll feel off-balanced. Based on your lifestyle and your dietary restrictions, it may be beneficial to take a vitamin supplement to regain this balance and enhance your health. Herbal supplements, such as echinacea, can boost your immune system, while others, such as ashwagandha, can relieve stress. Taking natural, organic vitamins everyday will nourish your body and help you towards a healthy future.
Drink Plenty of Water
Never ignore the power of drinking water. It does so much for your health including:
- Delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells
- Regulating digestion
- Protecting your heart
- Cushioning your joints
Drinking about 4-6 cups of water a day can do wonders for your short and long-term health. Plus, there’s even been some studies showing that drinking plain water can boost mental health. Because of the nutrients water delivers to the brain and the toxins it removes, brain function is increased. This could help lower the effects of mental health disorders. Make it your goal to increase your consumption of water and watch the changes in your energy and mood.
Practice Forgiveness
It’s all too easy to overindulge in our favorite things – whether it’s food, alcohol, or even exercise. It can be frustrating, and you may resort to berating yourself. However, if you’re feeling unbalanced because of overindulgence, pause for a moment, reject those negative thoughts, and forgive yourself. Forgiveness is so important to finding balance and preventing ill-health. You’ll only feel as well as your attitude allows. Instead of punishing yourself for overindulging, realize that everything you have is a blessing. Remind yourself there will be new opportunities tomorrow.
Action Today, Health Tomorrow
Keep the principles of Ayurveda close to heart, and take daily steps towards preserving and promoting long-term health. Listen to your body, mind, and spirit. They’ll lead you towards what you need to do in order to sustain your well-being. As you learn to incorporate Ayurveda into your everyday life, don’t be hard on yourself. Allow yourself the time to grow. Take it one step at a time to find what works best for you. After all, as Mary Shelley says, “The beginning is always today.”