Ayurvedic Tips for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season - 420

Holiday season is here and this time of year often brings a beautiful mix of joy, connection, nostalgia and let's be honest, a little chaos. The festive season can easily throw us off rhythm. We may be travelling, eating differently, staying up later, or navigating emotionally layered gatherings. Ayurveda offers practical tools to support digestion, soothe the nervous system, and help us meet this season with greater steadiness and ease. In this episode Colette shares simple, grounding Ayurvedic tips to help you stay nourished, present, and balanced throughout the festivities. We explore: Understanding the dosha dynamics of the holiday season Ayurvedic tips for enjoying holiday meals without the stress Simple daily rituals that keep you grounded (even on busy days) Emotional and energetic boundaries for the holiday season Travel tips - your Vata-soothing toolkit A short guided holiday intention practice Resources & Links Mentioned: Pranayama Tutorial - Breath work tutorial Digestive Reset Cleanse – Next group discounted cleanse begins January 23, 2026 Take the ama (toxin) quiz! - Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?  Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community – Join the community for connection and seasonal guidance Thanks for listening! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Bundle All 3 Above = Reset-Restore-Renew Program Next Discount Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - January 23rd, 2026 Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Join the private Elements of Ayurveda Community. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast, Colette is joined by her sister, Niamh, an Occupational Therapist who specializes in mental health for children and young adults. Together, they explore Niamh's honest and vulnerable journey through perimenopause, a time that tested even her professional understanding of the mind and her long-time relationship with Ayurvedic living. Despite her professional knowledge of mental health and years of practicing Ayurvedic principles, Niamh found herself facing out-of-character symptoms and a sense of losing control, especially during intense hot flushes and cognitive difficulties. This conversation offers a compassionate look at what it means to navigate hormonal shifts when even your best tools seem to fall short. Colette and Niamh discuss how Ayurveda supported her self-understanding, how she began to view her therapeutic work through a new lens, and how the Ayurvedic Digestive Reset Cleanse helped her find stability amidst the fluctuations of perimenopause. They also talk about Niamh's integration of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) as part of her perimenopausal journey. This episode is a reminder that perimenopause is not just a hormonal transition, it's an invitation to deepen self-awareness, compassion, and connection to one's true rhythm. In this episode, they discuss: The impact Ayurveda had on Niamh's self-understanding How she applies Ayurvedic wisdom in her work as an Occupational Therapist The out-of-character symptoms that surprised her during perimenopause How the Digestive Reset Cleanse helped rebalance her system Her ongoing journey integrating Ayurvedic practices with the hormonal support provided by modern medicine Resources & Links Mentioned: Dr. Lisa Mosconi – Neuroscientist specializing in women's brain health Digestive Reset Cleanse – Next group discounted cleanse begins January 23, 2026 Take the ama (toxin) quiz! - Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body?  Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community – Join the community for connection and seasonal guidance Coriander Hima (cold infusion) recipe Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Bundle All 3 Above = Reset-Restore-Renew Program Next Discount Group Digestive Reset Cleanse - January 23rd, 2026 Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Join the private Elements of Ayurveda Community. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast, we're exploring a truly beautiful concept in Ayurvedic wisdom, Sneha, a Sanskrit word that means both oil and love. And that's no coincidence. Sneha is the essence of softness, warmth, and care that keeps our body, mind, and heart supple. It's both nourishment and an act of conscious love, a daily reminder that tending to ourselves is not selfish, but sacred. In this episode, Colette shares how Sneha can be practiced both externally through self-oiling rituals like abhyanga, and internally through nourishing fats such as ghee or medicated oils. You'll also discover how Sneha softens not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions, helping to cultivate resilience, calm, and compassion in your daily life. In this episode, you'll learn: The dual meaning of Sneha in Sanskrit and why oiling is an act of love The difference between external Sneha and internal Sneha  How Sneha supports physical health, from joint mobility and skin nourishment to digestion and immunity The emotional and psychological benefits of Sneha for calming Vata, reducing stress, and fostering self-compassion How to personalize your Sneha practice for each dosha and season Simple, daily Sneha rituals you can try at home, even if you only have a few minutes Links & Resources Sponsor: Kerala Ayurveda Academy – Advance your Ayurvedic education with the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) Program. Enroll at keralaayurveda.us/aap and use code FreeAAP26 to waive your application fee. Digestive Reset Cleanse – Join the next Group Cleanse starting January 23rd, 2026, or book a Private Cleanse anytime that suits your schedule. Learn more at Elements Healing & Wellbeing Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe – Elements Healing & Wellbeing - Resources Recommended Ayurvedic Oils - The quality and source of your oil matter. Choose organic, cold- or expeller-pressed oils for purity and safety. I recommend the following companies for high quality oils: Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live! Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I'm delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open! This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you'll find: Early access to podcast episodes  Member forums for discussion and Q&A  Mindfulness and self-care practices  Monthly live Zoom meetups  Seasonal group challenges and reflections It's a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha. Join the new community here: Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community I look forward to connecting with you soon! Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program Reset-Restore-Renew Program Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out! Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast. Thanks for listening!

In this heart-centered episode, Colette explores the vital role of community in Ayurveda and how sangha, a gathering of like-minded souls, nurtures our healing, balance, and wellbeing. In a world where loneliness has become a quiet epidemic, Ayurveda reminds us that true healing doesn't happen in isolation. It happens through connection, in shared rhythm, trust, and support. Join Colette as she reflects on the modern epidemic of disconnection, what Ayurveda teaches about collective balance, and how belonging strengthens our ojas, the subtle essence of vitality, love, and resilience. She also shares exciting news about the revitalized Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community, a new online sangha designed to bring listeners together for deeper learning, inspiration, and connection. In this episode, you'll learn: What Ayurveda teaches about sangha - community as medicine. How loneliness and isolation relate to vata imbalance. Why genuine connection strengthens ojas and supports emotional resilience. The ancient Ayurvedic view of collective healing and interdependence. How sattvic community uplifts our energy, balances the nervous system, illuminates the mind promoting inspiration and clarity. 🌿 Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community! A conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path. You will recieve: Early access to podcast episodes Monthly live Zoom meetups Member forums and Q&A Mindfulness practices Seasonal group challenges Stay Connected Website: elementshealingandwellbeing.com Instagram: @elementsofayurvedapodcast Facebook: Elements Healing and Wellbeing If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, it really helps others discover these teachings. And most of all, thank you for being part of this global sangha. True healing happens together.

Ayurveda teaches that the heart (Hridaya) is not just a physical pump for blood, it is central to our physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. Together, we explore how chronic stress, unresolved grief, and emotional trauma can affect both the heart and mind, and how Ayurvedic wisdom can guide us toward healing from the inside out. We also dive deep into the subdoshas, exploring the subtle energies of Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta, and Tarpaka Kapha, that regulate how we "digest life" and how they link the gut, heart, and mind.  In this episode, we cover: Dr. Sujatha's perspective of the Hridya (heart) beyond its mechanical function How the gut–heart–mind connection operates through the subtle doshas and channels (srotas) The impact of chronic stress, grief, and trauma on Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta, and Tarpaka Kapha Early signs that your heart–mind connection is under strain Dr. Sujatha's favourite Ayurvedic approaches for healing the heart through diet, herbs, therapies, and lifestyle Resources & Links:  Learn more about Dr. Sujatha and her offerings: AmrtaSiddhi Ayurvedic Clinic  Episode 411 - The Gut–Emotion connection  Episode 274 - Prana Vaha Srotas  Episode 302 - Ayurvedic Herbs for the Mind & Nervous System  Episode 103 - Subdoshas of Vata  Episode 105 - Subdoshas of Pitta  Episode 107 - Subdoshas of Kapha * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

If you've ever set out to make healthy changes but found your willpower fading after a few weeks, this episode is for you. In this final episode of my trilogy on Ayurvedic habits, we explore how to make change sustainable. While episode 412 looked at habits as anchors in uncertain times, and episode 413 explored the big results that come from small rituals, this conversation is all about longevity and how to move from good intentions to lasting transformation. You'll learn how Ayurveda shifts the focus from discipline to rhythm, helping you align your daily habits with nature's cycles and your unique constitution. Discover why willpower fades, but rhythm sustains; and how awareness, compassion, and alignment turn short-lived motivation into embodied wisdom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why willpower alone isn't enough to sustain healthy habits The Ayurvedic Formula for Sustainable Change — Intention → Awareness → Rhythm → Integration How aligning with your dosha and the rhythms of nature creates lasting balance A step-by-step guide to personalize your own micro-rituals How to move from striving to flow and make your daily routines feel natural and nourishing Mentioned in this episode: Episode 412 - Ayurveda's Anchor for Uncertain Times Episode 413 - Ayurvedic Habits for Holistic Health: Small Rituals, Big Results Ready to bring these teachings into your daily rhythm? Explore my self-paced Daily Habits for Holistic Health program which is a 28-day guided journey to integrate simple Ayurvedic rituals that align with your dosha, your energy, and your lifestyle. Learn to move from intention to integration and experience transformation that feels steady, not forced. Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Follow me on Instagram at @ElementsOfAyurvedaPodcast and on Facebook it's Elements Healing & Wellbeing * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

In this episode, Colette explores the liver, not just as an organ, but as your body's fire keeper, the great transformer of food, hormones, and emotions. Ayurveda teaches that the liver, or Yakrut, is the home of Pitta dosha and plays a vital role in keeping your inner fire balanced. During perimenopause, when hormones fluctuate and emotions rise and fall, the liver's workload increases making its care essential for digestion, mood, and overall vitality. You'll learn: How the liver acts as your body's master transformer, converting nutrients into energy, blood, and hormones The deep connection between liver health and perimenopausal symptoms such as irritability, hot flushes, and fatigue Why the liver is linked to fiery emotions and how awareness, forgiveness, and cooling habits can help soothe them Simple Ayurvedic strategies to support your liver through food, daily rhythm, and emotional balance The truth about alcohol in perimenopause and how even small amounts can impact your hormones, mood, and sleep How gentle lifestyle changes like bitter greens, herbal teas, cooling breath, and mindful eating can steady your inner flame This episode offers a holistic roadmap for nurturing your liver and balancing your hormones naturally through this transformative life stage. * Thanks to Kerala Ayurveda Academy for sponsoring this episode. Explore upcoming trainings at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Use code ELEMENTS to save $100 on your enrollment. Learn more at keralaayurveda.us/courses. * Resources & Links Mentioned: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

We often think that transformation requires big, dramatic changes, but Ayurveda teaches us that it's the small, steady habits that create the deepest, most sustainable impact. In this episode, I share how small rituals act as anchors for your health, energy, and emotional balance. We'll explore why habits conserve mental energy, how Ayurveda personalizes them for your unique dosha, and the ripple effects that build resilience and longevity. You'll learn: Why daily habits matter Foundational Ayurvedic rituals and their impact How habits support different doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Practical simple rituals you can start today to shift digestion, sleep, and mood How to personalize your rituals so they truly feel nourishing (not like chores!) A step-by-step approach you can start using today By the end, you'll see that even the smallest habits can ripple out through the body and mind to create big results when practiced daily. Resources & Next Steps Explore my self-paced program Daily Habits for Holistic Health which is a guided way to build sustainable Ayurvedic routines and learn how to become your own healer. Book a personal online consultation for a tailored daily rhythm that aligns with your unique constitution. * Visit Colette's website www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. Stay connected on the Elements Instagram and Facebook pages. * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

Life can often feel unpredictable, whether from work pressures, social shifts, or simply the pace of the world. Ayurveda reminds us that stability isn't found in controlling the external world, but in cultivating steady rhythms and anchor habits within ourselves. In this episode, Colette explores how small, consistent daily habits can serve as anchors for your body, mind, and spirit. You'll learn why Ayurveda places such importance on daily self-care practices (dinacharya), how different doshas benefit from specific anchors, and how these tiny, steady routines ripple out to support digestion, sleep, energy, emotional balance, and longevity. Whether you're new to Ayurveda or looking to deepen your self-care practices, this episode will inspire you to choose just one simple anchor habit to bring more calm, clarity, and resilience into your life. What you'll learn in this episode: Why uncertainty often triggers "all-or-nothing" thinking and how anchor habits provide steadiness. Simple daily habit swaps to create calm energy, mental focus, and restful sleep. The Ayurvedic concept of dinacharya (daily routines) as a foundation for health. Dosha-specific anchors: grounding for Vata, cooling for Pitta, energizing for Kapha. How small, consistent habits ripple out to support nervous system resilience and longevity. Why anchoring your body naturally steadies your mind and spirit. Resources & Support: Explore my Daily Habits for Holistic Health self-paced online program  Book a 1:1 Online Ayurvedic Consultation for a personalized strategy Have questions before you book? Book a FREE 15 min online Services Enquiry Call Let's Stay Connected: Instagram: @elementsofayurvedapodcast Facebook: Elements Healing and Wellbeing Website: www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com  Podcast Community: Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who could use some stability right now. Don't forget to follow the podcast so new episodes download automatically and if you leave a review, it really helps others discover the show. Thanks for listening! * Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only.

In Ayurveda, digestion is never just about food, it's about how we process life itself. When our digestion is weak, the body feels heavy, the mind becomes clouded, and both physical toxins (ama) and mental toxins (mental ama) begin to accumulate. In this episode, Colette explores how poor digestion affects not only our physical health but also our emotional wellbeing, clarity, and self-confidence. You'll learn how the gut-mind connection works in Ayurveda, why unprocessed emotions weigh just as heavily as undigested food, and what practices help restore balance. We'll also look at how an Ayurvedic reset, including diet, awareness, and daily routine can help clear both physical and emotional heaviness, bringing you back to lightness, calm, and clarity. What you'll learn in this episode: How Ayurveda explains the gut-mind connection through the mano vaha srotas (the channel of the mind). The role of the subdoshas, Sadhaka Pitta, Prana Vayu, and Tarpaka Kapha in processing emotions and experiences. What mental ama is and how it impacts mood, memory, and self-confidence. The emotional imprint of poor digestion, why heaviness, irritability, or brain fog often follow sluggish digestion. How sattvic foods and routines promote clarity of mind while rajasic and tamasic influences create imbalance. Practical Ayurvedic guidelines for preventing the build-up of mental ama, from mindful eating and circadian rhythm to tuning inward and protecting your senses. Links & Resources: Daily Habits for Holistic Health online program Online Consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse Join the Elements of Ayurveda Community here Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here.   Let's stay connected: Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community Instagram: @ElementsOfAyurvedaPodcast Facebook: Elements Healing & Wellbeing   Enjoy discounts on your favourite Ayurvedic products: Banyan Botanicals - enter discount code ELEMENTSHEALING15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Divya's  - enter discount code ELEMENTSOFAYURVEDA15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.** Kerala Ayurveda - enter discount code ELEMENTS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase.** LifeSpa - Save $10 on a $50 or more one-time purchase with the code elements10.  **Shipping available within the U.S. only. * Thank you for listening! If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review and if you think this information would be helpful to family or friends, please share this episode so we can spread this wisdom of Ayurveda.  Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.