That uncomfortable feeling of heaviness. We all know it all too well. Both physically and mentally, stress can get to us. When we no longer feel comfortable in our own skin, are simply out of balance and everything seems somehow tough and sluggish. Whether it's an unhealthy diet, too much stress, or generally a lifestyle that's not particularly conducive, at some point we've ignored our own voice. And as soon as we are unkind to ourselves, we will feel it in one way or another. The following 10 European Ayurveda® tips for more ease can help you to get more in balance again. It is a kind of checklist, where each tip is a short outline that you can of course go deeper with.
1. boost metabolism
When our digestive system is not working well, is disturbed or sluggish, we feel bloated, gain weight and also accumulate toxins, which in turn affects our health. Thus, headaches are a common accompaniment of poor digestion. For this reason, the number one rule is to get the metabolism going and fuel the digestive fire. A true metabolism booster is to drink warm water with the juice of a lemon in the morning on an empty stomach. It is also a good idea to drink boiled water throughout the day. Attention: You should not drink anything for about half an hour before and during the meal. To relieve the digestive system even more, regular meals are recommended. In addition, you should have your last meal at 7:00 p.m. at the latest and use the time before going to bed for relaxation.
2. eat consciously and cook fresh
While we're on the subject of food: In the long run, a conscious diet is the be-all and end-all. In European Ayurveda® we follow the Tridosha cuisine - of course in combination with everything that nature in our region gives us. This includes local fruits, vegetables and herbs from our surroundings. Seasonal as well as untreated organic food - preferably freshly cooked - as well as self-prepared, help the digestive system and do not burden the body even more with toxins. Conscious eating starts with the choice of food and if you cook according to your diet, you will feel more energetic, stronger and generally better.
3. schedule detox days
Over time, we accumulate ballast and toxins that should be eliminated. If you do not have the opportunity to do a detox cure, then it is recommended to plan a few detox days at home in your own four walls. In order not to distract you too much from other things, it is best to do this at a time when you are not working or can focus more on yourself. Again, do everything with awareness. Yoga and meditation sessions are also important during your detox days. Detox is always related to your thoughts. A guide can help you to proceed in a planned manner. A tip for this is the 7-day Panchakarma cure for home with TV star Andrea Kathrin Loewig, a book that was created in collaboration with European Ayurveda® experts and is therefore ideal for an all-round detox in your own four walls.
4. digital detox
Have you ever observed how much time you spend in front of a screen? Social media, television or the Internet in general, and possibly computer work at work? We first have to be able to process all these sensory stimuli. For this reason, a digital detox is advisable. Because too much digital world leads to us being distracted, distancing ourselves from ourselves and, on top of that, being busy comparing ourselves to others. Make sure to spend a little less time on the Internet. Especially before going to bed, you should avoid it as much as possible. A mindfulness exercise or a short but subtle meditation session will help you process the day and give your mind the peace it needs for a good night's sleep.
5. exercise in the fresh air
Of course, regular yoga exercises are very good for your movement. But a stay in the fresh air is irreplaceable! Nowhere can you ground yourself as well as in nature. A walk in the countryside should be possible every day. At least half an hour helps you to activate your life energies. While doing so, consciously stroke the plants, touch tree trunks and deeply breathe in the air along with the scents of nature. You can also combine going outside with forest bathing. This is a Japanese natural healing method that allows the healing powers of nature to work on you. Learn more about it in our blog.
6. regular mindfulness
Lightness does not come from starting the day unconsciously, but from cultivating a mindful approach. This also includes the one with yourself. Negative thoughts, too much self-criticism and never a kind word to yourself, do something to your self-image. Pay attention to how you treat yourself and the way you talk to yourself. For example, if you are mean to your reflection in the mirror, constantly putting yourself down, then your environment will also react to you in this way. Mindfulness is thought care - unpleasant thoughts push you to your knees. Positive ones give you the feeling of lightness.
7. stress reduction
How we love this word - "stress". At least we think we're doing something right when we say we're stressed. Sounds better than saying you're not doing anything right now. How wrong that thought is! Stress is an energy killer, makes us older, out of shape, unhealthy, unhappy. Stress makes wrinkles, gray hair, and much too early! A very important tip for more lightness is therefore to reduce stress. You can and must allow yourself to do this. A wonderful antidote to stress is yoga. Working with your breathing helps you to stop the carousel of thoughts and to put stress in its place.
8. strengthen resilience
It is quite normal for us to have worries and fears. But we are weakened when these get out of hand. Because as the saying goes, "Fear is a bad advisor." If we feed our fears, we make ourselves vulnerable. Our vision narrows and we can't see a way out. That's why strengthening our resilience is incredibly important. Resilience means being able to stay with yourself no matter what is happening around you. To do this, it can be helpful to take a step outside of your worries and get an overview of the situation. Focus on what is good. And nurture that side of your life. Imagine you are a rock instead of a leaf in the wind.
9. lightness in your home
Our home is a mirror of our soul. In order to feel more lightness in your life again, it can help to clear out your own apartment. Free yourself from ballast - concretely meant in this case. We tend to accumulate things that we no longer need. Getting rid of them feels really liberating. In the meantime, there are also so many ways to pass on clothes, books or even furniture so that others can continue to love them.
10. joie de vivre
Probably the most important tip for more lightness in your life is joie de vivre. If you feel burdened, then it is important to do exactly the things that are really good for you now. Surround yourself with people who give you strength and spend your time doing things that bring a smile to your face. Maybe a trip to nature, a weekend in another city or simply leisure activities that you enjoy.
