Embracing Autumn: A Holistic Guide to Well-being

As the warmth of summer gradually gives way to the crisp air of September, we enter a season of transformation. The shorter days and cooler nights signal a time for reflection and renewal. This transition can be both beautiful and challenging. Understanding how these seasonal changes affect our mental health is essential, especially for those of us who often juggle multiple roles.

In this guide, we will explore how Ayurveda can help you achieve balance this September. This knowledge enables you to navigate the autumnal transition with stability and grace.

The Impact of Seasonal Change on Your Well-being and Mental Health in Women

Autumn can bring mixed emotions. Some might feel nostalgic about the fading summer, while others may experience anxiety or sadness. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders noted that around 20% of people may feel seasonal depression as the warm season changes. The shift from vibrant summer colours to the muted tones of fall can affect our mood and energy levels.

Autumn is a time of transition. Many trees and shrubs are quietly shedding their leaves in preparation for winter. There is a subtle browning of the earth. Temperatures, which were raging with the intense heat of summer just a few weeks ago, are beginning to hint at the telltale crispness of autumn.

The fall brings with it a predominance of the air element, and prana is abundant in the atmosphere. This season harbours a certain emptiness that can leave us feeling exposed and a little raw. However, it is also filled with possibility—a time when we, too, can strip down to a quiet essence of being and savour the simplicity.

Nowadays, most of us lead lives that are completely out of sync with nature. Centuries ago, before modern technology emerged, ancient peoples were closely connected to nature and lived in harmony with it. Today, while Western medicine has made significant strides in extending life expectancy, we have lost the natural and intuitive ability to listen to our bodies and understand how nature affects them through seasonal changes. With industrialisation and mechanised agriculture, seasonal foods are available on shelves all year round, and we are spending increasing amounts of time indoors.

More importantly, seasonal changes impact the three doshas that comprise one's Prakriti (body type). A fundamental principle of Ayurveda is that by following a seasonal routine that aligns with your Prakriti and making slight adjustments with each seasonal change, you are more likely to maintain health, live longer, and have increased energy.

In Ayurveda, the seasons are correlated with the three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. September marks the beginning of Vata season, characterised by dryness, coolness, and irregularity. Autumn is a dry, rough, windy, cool, erratic, yet calm and subtle season. These are all qualities shared by Vata dosha, and because like increases like, autumn is considered a Vata season.

This same principle illustrates why taking a few simple steps to balance Vata this fall can be tremendously beneficial. Without proper management, these Vata qualities can lead to feelings of instability, anxiety, and restlessness. By recognising these seasonal shifts, we can take proactive measures to uphold our mental health and emotional balance.

Understanding Your Dosha

Before applying Ayurveda's wisdom, it’s crucial to identify your dosha. Each person has a unique constitution, known as Prakriti, comprised of the three doshas. Here’s a closer look:

• Vata: Typically associated with air and space, individuals with a Vata constitution may feel more scattered or anxious during this season. If you often feel overwhelmed, you may be experiencing an imbalance of Vata.

  
  

• Pitta: This dosha, associated with fire and water, tends towards irritability or frustration in the cooler months. If you find yourself easily agitated, Pitta could be in play.

  
  

• Kapha: Representing earth and water, individuals with a Kapha type may feel sluggish or unmotivated as daylight diminishes. For those who struggle with lethargy, Kapha imbalances could be the cause.

  
  

Understanding your dosha can help you tailor your wellness routine this September, promoting harmony in both body and mind. By making diet and lifestyle choices that counter the effects of each season, you can better maintain your internal sense of equilibrium throughout the year.

If we consider the Ayurvedic principle that opposites balance, Vata season will be less aggravating if you fill it with warmth, oiliness, deep nourishment, loving relationships, and a sense of stability, routine, and groundedness.

Why Is It Important To Understand The Relationship Between Dosha And Seasons?

In healthy individuals with good immunity and adherence to seasonal guidelines, these stages of accumulation, aggravation, and pacification occur naturally before the doshas settle. But for those with poor immunity, or those who do not know or follow the seasonal regimen, the doshas do not settle, and this cycle is wrecked.

In fact, doshas may accumulate further and become vitiated even in the months when they should be returning to their balanced states, risking health and potentially manifesting as illnesses and discomfort.

To discover your Prakriti (Body Type), book a Health and Wellbeing Guidance Consultation with me on my wellness page on my website, where we can identify yours and offer helpful information on what to eat, what to avoid, and lifestyle tips.

Ayurvedic Practices for Autumn Balance

Autumn foods

Nourishing Foods

As temperatures drop, it's vital to adjust your diet. Incorporating warm, nourishing foods stabilises Vata and balances the other doshas. Your diet is a powerful way to soothe Vata this fall. You may naturally want to increase your food intake, but be cautious to follow the lead of your appetite and digestion.

This is also a great time of year to try a monodiet-type Ayurvedic cleanse. Vata requires adequate nourishment, so it is best to avoid fasting.

Types of Food to Favour in Fall

• Oily, nourishing foods high in protein and fat, infused with warming, stimulating spices, and served hot, will go a long way toward maintaining your internal reserves of moisture and keeping you grounded during the Vata season.

  
  

• Breakfasts of cooked grains—like oatmeal, tapioca, cream of rice, and cream of wheat—are perfect at this time of year.

  
  

• If you eat meat and eggs, this is one of the best times of year to enjoy them.

  
  

• Dairy products, as well as all nuts and seeds, are also beneficial.

  
  

• Warm Soups and Stews: Not only comforting, but also a fantastic way to enjoy root vegetables and legumes or steamed vegetables. A butternut squash soup with ginger can provide warmth while balancing your energy and grounding.

  
  

• Seasonal Fruits: Apples and pears are abundant in September. Rich in fibre and vitamins, they help ground Vata energy while providing essential nutrients.

  
  

• Healthy Fats: Incorporating ghee and olive oil is beneficial for digestion and nourishment. Studies have shown that diets rich in healthy fats can improve mood and support brain health.

  
  

By focusing on these nourishing foods, you cultivate warmth and stability, essential for the cooler months.

Foods to Minimise

In general, you'll want to reduce your consumption of raw vegetables, cold and frozen foods, as well as the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes.

It is best to minimise light, cooling, and drying foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, leafy greens, white potatoes, beans, popcorn, crackers, millet, and dried fruit.

If you do eat these foods, consume them in moderation and ensure they are soaked, well-cooked, or served with ghee.

Lifestyle Tips for September

• Practice a daily routine. One of the most effective ways to support Vata is by establishing a daily routine. Try to do the same things (such as waking up, exercising, eating meals, and going to bed) at roughly the same times each day. Set the tone for your day by rising early, taking full advantage of the silence, stillness, and peace that are intrinsic to the early morning hours.

  
  

• Massage yourself. Calm your nervous system, awaken your tissues, and ground your energy by massaging your skin with warm, organic oil. We recommend Dashamula Oil+, Sesame Oil, or Vata Massage Oil. Follow this practice with a warm, relaxing shower, leaving a layer of oil on the skin to be absorbed throughout the day. Steam baths and humidifiers can also help preserve internal moisture.

  
  

• Use warming aromas. If you enjoy a little fragrance, vetiver, geranium, and citrus essential oils are very appropriate this time of year.

  
  

• Dress for the season. Wear autumn colours when appropriate—reds, yellows, oranges, and whites—and wear enough clothes that you stay warm throughout the day. When you step out into the elements, cover your head and ears to protect them from the biting wind and cold.

  
  

• Get out into nature. You may find a walk through nature particularly healing at this time. This is a powerful time for working with the energies of Mother Nature.

  
  

Mindful Practices

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can greatly enhance your mental well-being as autumn unfolds. Consider these practices:

• Meditation: Set aside 5-10 minutes daily for meditation. This simple act can centre your thoughts, helping soothe the restlessness associated with Vata.

  
  

• Yoga: Engage in gentle yoga focused on grounding poses. Poses like Child’s Pose and Mountain Pose can create a sense of steadiness. Even 15 minutes a day can lead to significant improvements in mood and stress levels.

  
  

• Breathwork: Practice deep breathing techniques. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. Research suggests that controlled breathing can help reduce anxiety, leading to improved emotional well-being.

  
  

These mindful practices foster stability and peace, enabling you to navigate the changes of September with ease.

Seasonal Exercise Tips

Vata is very easily aggravated by fast, mobile activities, so consider slow, gentle, strengthening forms of exercise.

• Walking, hiking, swimming, biking, yoga, and tai chi are good choices, provided they are done at an appropriate level of intensity.

  
  

• The best times of day to exercise are in the early morning and evening hours (6:00–10:00 a.m. and 6:00–10:00 p.m.).

  
  

• Ideally, exercise at about 50–70 per cent of your capacity, breathing through your nose the entire time.

  
  

• And remember to balance your activity with adequate relaxation and sleep so that your tissues can rejuvenate properly.

  
  

Herbal Support

Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies that support mental well-being during the autumn season. Some potent options include:

• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps reduce stress and anxiety, making it beneficial for those experiencing Vata imbalances. Studies have revealed that ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels by up to 30%, thereby promoting relaxation.

  
  

• Brahmi: Known for enhancing cognitive function, Brahmi can combat the mental sluggishness that sometimes occurs during seasonal transitions.

  
  

• Turmeric: With its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric supports overall health. Including it in your diet can boost mood and cognitive clarity.

  
  

• Herbal Teas: Especially those made from ginger, liquorice, or CCF Tea (a combination of cumin, coriander, and fennel), can promote proper digestion and warmth.

  
  

Consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner can tailor these herbal suggestions to your specific needs. I can help with this. Book a health and well-being guidance coaching consultation with me.

Creating a Seasonal Routine

Establishing a daily routine that aligns with the natural rhythms of the season fosters stability during transitions. Here are some simple routines to consider:

• Morning Rituals: Start with a warm glass of water and a few minutes of stretching or yoga. This gentle awakening can set a positive tone for your day.

  
  

• Evening Wind-Down: Create a calming evening routine that includes herbal tea, journaling, or reading. This signals your body to prepare for rest, enhancing sleep quality.

  
  

• Nature Connection: Dedicate time to being outdoors, even if just for a short walk. Research shows that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mood.

  
  

By implementing these routines, you create an environment that nurtures your mental health throughout September.

Embracing Autumn Wellness

As September progresses, welcoming seasonal changes can lead to personal growth and balance. Understanding how autumn affects your mental health and utilising Ayurvedic practices to align your doshas can empower you during this transformative time.

Focus on nurturing your body with warmth, engaging in mindful practices, and creating a supportive routine. This September, seize the chance to embrace change and step into autumn with confidence and balance.

Remember, a seasonal routine is an investment in your own health and vitality. While the specifics may vary from one person to the next, we all stand to benefit from aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms throughout the year. This fall, embrace the unique gifts of autumn and, with the help of an appropriate seasonal routine, enjoy them from a place of stability, humility, and gratitude.

With these effective strategies at your side, you can cultivate harmony within yourself, encouraging you to thrive during this transformative season.

Find Out Your Dosha Body Type

To determine your specific body type and the Dosha that is more prominent at this time of year, schedule a Health and Wellbeing guidance consultation with me. Learn more about your body type and the lifestyle adjustments you can make to enhance your health and well-being through the practice of Ayurveda. Please email me at kellysinghinfo@mail.com, and I will be happy to schedule a session for you.

Wellness For Women Workshop

We invite you to join us for a women's wellness weekend workshop, focused on women's health and well-being, on October 18th and 19th, 2025, in Henley-on-Thames. This enjoyable and educational workshop will feature empowering yoga moves for health and well-being, sound healing, somatic healing, and relaxing meditations designed to cultivate feminine power and support women's health. Take a look at the flyer and reserve your spot, as spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email Kelly at kellysinghinfo@mail.com for more information and to access early bird discounts. I look forward to seeing you there.

Wishing you a wonderful and rejuvenating September. I'm excited to treat you to some healing and relaxing treatments soon.

Best wishes,

Kelly

x

Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies

www.pureblissretreats.co.uk

Email: kellysinghinfo@mail.com