In Ayurveda, balancing with opposites is the simplest takeaway. When it comes to the dead of winter the way some people feel is not unexpected, but when you have the right tools in your toolbelt you can do things to balance before things get out of hand.

You may experience heaviness in the body and mind, sluggishness in the poop department, excess mucus, dry skin, lack of motivation, or just outright depressed. It can be from a combination of your own constitution (elements most present in your unique self) or from the elements most present at this time of year.

Here are some tools to keep handy:

1.) Bring a little variety or spice to your life. Change up the cuisine and add more warming spices like cumin, ginger, turmeric, chili. Add fresh herbs and citrus to bring some brightness to your life. I bet you can imagine the smell of breaking into a fresh orange or grapefruit and how it can just wake up your senses.

2.) What is the opposite of stagnation? Movement! Even if it’s cold, try to get outside and breathe some fresh air! The air circulating in our homes is less than ideal in most cases and pretty stale. Fresh air enlivens the mind and gives you energy.

3.) Drink lots of warm liquids and get the lymph moving. Any mucus in the stools? Even if they are just sluggish or dry you can bring opposites in and flush out the detox pathways with some warm liquids. Don’t underestimate the power of water! (Stay tuned for my next blog post on water.)