The Fall season is characterized by the element of ‘air’ (Vata) in Yoga and Ayurveda. It is a windy, drying season that often leaves us feeling uprooted and ungrounded both in our bodies and our minds. Even the calmest of us can grow anxious or feel like our mind is racing. Our practice on and off the mat should help balance the nervous system, and leave us feeling more calm in our body and quite in our mind. The following 4 resources will balance the excess Vata energy within you, and help you feel more grounded and calm all season long.

1. Count Down to Calm

If you find it difficult to settle down and quite your mind, try ‘Counting Your Exhales’. Try this technique to begin yoga practice, mediation, when trying to sleep, or even before a business meeting. Sit or lay in a comfortable position. Take a few letting-go breaths. Then begin on an exhale and count the number 10 (maybe picture the number as you mentally count it.) On the next exhale lightly concentrate on the number 9. Then continue to count down on each exhale. When you get to one, start again with 10.

Continue the cycle for 3-5 minutes. When your mind begins to wander just notice it; with out judgment draw your attention back to the number of the breath you are on. Do not be surprised or upset if you forget the number you are on, simply start again at 10.

2. Get Down on the Ground and Relaxmore

Balance yourself by slowing down and actually getting down on the ground. Relax with me 20 minutes a day for one week, and feel the most amazing transformation! To learn more about the Relaxmore Guided Meditation CD, click here.

3. Ground with Gratitude

Several times a year, especially in fall, and also when I’m feeling stressed, I start a daily Gratitude Journal. Start it NOW and you will be in the sweet spot on Thanksgiving Day and the holidays! Simply label 40 pages in a journal. Once a day write at least one sentence (more if you can) on what you are thankful for in the moment you are writing. Try to include things that are really simple and often overlooked. And if you want to know more about just how gratitude can help make you more healthy check out, this great article, Neuroscience of Why Gratitude Makes Us Healthier, from the Huffington Post.