07/01/2026
Feeling depleted after the intensity of the festive season? Even though the sun’s out (in the southern hemisphere) your body may be asking you to turn your attention to your own needs.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, weeks of socialising, travel, rich food, late nights, alcohol, disrupted routines and family dynamics can aggravate Vata - the principle associated with movement, the nervous system and depletion. When Vata is high, energy can feel scattered, sleep unsettled and the body under-nourished.
Rather than pushing yourself to “get back on track”, these simple practices support steadiness, replenishment and hugs from the inside. And once you feel your vitality returning, don’t stop there. Make these and other restorative practices a regular part of 2026 and beyond. Fill your cup first.
Golden Milk
A traditional Ayurvedic preparation used to nourish the tissues and calm the nervous system. Warm, spiced milk supports digestion while offering a deeply settling quality - especially helpful in the evening or when you feel run down.
Ingredients:
1 cup of milk of your choice
½ teaspoon of dry turmeric
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Pinch black pepper
1 teaspoon good quality ghee (omit if you don’t consume dairy)
Optional:
1 teaspoon sweetener - Jaggery/maple syrup/sugar/chopped date/honey*
¼ teaspoon dry cardamon, ¼ teaspoon dry ginger
Method:
Add the milk to a saucepan along with the spices and bring gently to a slow boil. Once the milk has risen once, lower the heat and allow it to simmer briefly so the spices infuse. Remove from the heat, stir in the sweetener, then pour into your favourite mug - or blend for a few seconds if you’d like it lightly frothed. Add the ghee and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Curl up somewhere comfortable and sip slowly.
*Heated honey is considered toxic in Ayurveda so only add it after the milk has cooled down a bit.
Caution: Turmeric can stain clothes and benchtops.
Continued in comments….
