New Year’s Resolutions with Ayurveda
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| image courtesy of Christophe Dioux |
January is the time when many people take stock of themselves, mentally and emotionally, and decide to make changes to their lives in the coming year to alleviate stress. If you are making and struggling with your New Year’s Resolutions, the following guide may be of help. According to Ayurveda, the ancient holistic medicine of India, we all have a particular constitution that needs to be kept in balance to maintain optimum health. Knowing your constitution and dominant psychological dosha will enable you to make better decisions with a greater chance of success.
Vata Dosha – Is this you?
- Creative and imaginative
- Artistic
- Active but restless at times
- A quick learner but forgets things quickly
- Becomes ‘spaced out’ quite easily
- Sometimes feels anxious, nervous and insecure
- Speaks quickly and uses hand gestures
- Always on the go
- Follows an irregular routine unless disciplined
- Often has colourful dreams
If you recognize yourself in the above characteristics, then try the following affirmations and practice:
- Affirm “All is well. There is no need for me to worry about anything”
- Meditate to become more grounded
- Take up a creative hobby and practice it regularly
Pitta Dosha – Is this You?
- Goal oriented
- Good memory
- Has a good sense of humour
- Intellectual, likes to learn new things
- A born leader
- Critical of yourself and others
- Perfectionist
- Tends to become angry easily
- Becomes irritable if meal is skipped
- Stubborn
- Enjoys competition
If you recognize yourself in the above characteristics, then try the following affirmations and practice:
- Affirm “I shall do my best and leave the rest to a higher power”
- Meditate to control anger and a judgmental nature
- Be less critical and more accepting of yourself and others. Have less expectations
Kapha Dosha – Is this you?
- Big heart
- Calm nature, takes things slowly and relaxed
- Not a very quick learner but has an ”elephant’s memory”
- Sentimental. Often thinks of past
- Methodical
- Protective of yourself and family
- Bottles up negative emotions
- Natural listener who many people confide in
If you recognize yourself in the above characteristics, then try the following affirmations and practice:
- Affirm “There is only this present moment”
- Meditate to become less emotional and more detached
- Make regular exercise part of your routine