Fall Season: The “Anxiety Season” in Ayurveda 🍂

In Ayurveda, Fall is known as the “Anxiety Season.”
This is the time when the elements of Space and Air dominate in nature — and within us. These light, dry, and moving qualities can make us feel a little ungrounded and scattered if we don’t take extra care of ourselves.

You might notice your mind feeling:

• Anxious, lonely, or restless

• Full of racing thoughts that make decision-making hard

• Low in confidence or self-esteem

And your body might show signs like:

• Dry skin or dry eyes

• Constipation or incomplete bowel movements

• Gas or bloating

• Feeling colder than usual, with cold hands and feet

In Ayurvedic language, these are all signs of Vata imbalance — when the energy of Space and Air becomes too high.

Just as a light bulb runs on electricity, your body runs on three energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

When one goes out of balance, we start feeling “off.” The goal is simply to bring these energies back to your natural harmony — the balance you were born with.

Simple Ayurvedic Tips to Stay Calm and Grounded This Fall 🌿

Here are a few gentle ways to bring Vata back into balance and calm your mind and body:

1. Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
Just 3 slow rounds in the morning can work wonders for your body, mind, and emotions. It balances both sides of the brain and creates a sense of peace. You can learn more about this practice here.

2. Give Yourself a Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
Think of it as love in the form of touch.
Warm some sesame oil (by placing the bottle in a cup of hot water), then massage it gently all over your body before a shower — even the inside of your ears using your pinky finger. This grounds your energy, soothes dryness, and nourishes your nervous system. I use this oil.

3. Keep a Morning Journal
Every morning, write down five things you appreciate about yourself.
This simple practice helps build self-confidence and trains your mind to focus on the positive.

4. Sip Warm Water Throughout the Day
Keep a thermos with warm water nearby. It keeps your digestion strong, supports detox, and calms your mind — especially if you tend to feel anxious or cold.

5. Avoid cold food

 This is the season where our digestion can become sensitive. It is best to eat cooked and warm meals which are easy to digest. Avoid cold water, cold drinks, ice, and cold raw salads as these are harder to digest for our body.

A Gentle Reminder 💛

Small steps go a long way.
Choose one of these practices and start today. Even the tiniest act of self-care can help you feel more balanced.

Fall is a beautiful season — if we stay warm, grounded, and loving toward ourselves, we can flow through it with peace and ease.

If you’re experiencing deeper anxiety or health challenges, it’s always best to connect with a qualified Ayurvedic Professional who can guide you with personalized recommendations.

About the Author:
Anumeha Gupta is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and ThetaHealing® Practitioner based in Santa Clara, CA. She helps parents, children and individuals release anxiety, calm anger, balance emotions, and reconnect with their inner peace through Ayurveda and energy healing.