Ayurveda expert explains why women feel more anxious and restless during colder days

Ayurveda explains why women feel more anxious in winter and offers grounding tips—from warm oils and routines to nourishing meals and mindful movement. (Image: Pexels)

• Winter can increase anxiety in women due to Vata dosha imbalance, says Ayurveda
• Ayurveda suggests warmth, routine, and nourishing foods to calm winter anxiety
• Women are more affected by hormonal changes, less sunlight, and emotional stress.

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Come January, and something shifts. Sleep feels lighter. Thoughts run faster. Anxiety builds in the background, even when life looks fine on the outside. For many women, winter brings not calm but a subtle sense of being ungrounded.

Ayurveda sees this not as coincidence, but as biology responding to nature. Vata dosha, made of air and space, governs movement in the body, from breathing and digestion to nerve signals and thought patterns. “Vata is highly sensitive to change,” explains Danny Kumar Meena, Founder and Ayurveda Expert, Girlyveda. “When the environment becomes cold, dry and irregular, Vata naturally rises.”

Winter mirrors Vata’s qualities; shorter days, disrupted routines, cold winds and dryness. According to the Ayurvedic principle of “like increases like”, these external conditions amplify internal Vata, making winter a vulnerable season for mental balance.

Also Read: World Mental Health Day 2024: Best Ayurvedic remedies with Indian herbs to soothe your mind

When Vata is balanced, it supports creativity, adaptability and enthusiasm. But when aggravated, its movement becomes excessive. “An overactive Vata doesn’t slow down on its own,” says Meena. “It shows up as racing thoughts, nervous energy and disturbed sleep.” Cold weather physically contracts the body tightening muscles and blood vessels, which sends subtle stress signals to the nervous system. Later, this keeps the body in a constant state of alert. Anxiety, as per Ayurveda, is not just emotional. It’s a full-body response involving nerves, digestion and sleep.

Here’s why women feel it more deeply

Women, says Meena, often experience winter anxiety more intensely due to overlapping factors that raise Vata internally.

Hormonal rhythms

Menstruation, PMS, perimenopause and menopause naturally increase Vata. “When internal Vata meets the external Vata of winter, symptoms multiply,” Meena notes.

Heightened nervous sensitivity

Ayurveda recognises women’s finer emotional and sensory awareness. While this supports intuition, it also means stressors like cold, fatigue and irregular meals register more quickly.

Reduced sunlight

Shorter days disrupt circadian rhythms and mood hormones. Women are statistically more prone to seasonal mood shifts, which further unsettles Vata.

Emotional load

Caregiving, mental labour and emotional responsibility often don’t ease in winter. Without enough warmth and rest, nervous exhaustion sets in.

Tips to calm vata

Ayurveda restores balance by introducing opposite qualities: warmth, steadiness and nourishment. Regular routines anchor the nervous system. Early nights, consistent meals and quieter evenings help settle mental movement. Warm oil massage, known as abhyanga, is especially grounding. “Oil calms Vata like nothing else,” says Meena. “It nourishes the nerves and brings a sense of containment.”

Slow yoga, breath awareness and meditation reduce excess motion in both body and mind.

Also Read: Ayurvedic solutions, from pranayama to panchakarma, to cure stress, boost mental health in women

Eating for emotional steadiness

Winter food should be warm, moist and grounding. Soups, stews and porridges support digestion. Ghee, sesame oil and nut milks nourish the nervous system. Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and fennel stabilise mood. Cold, raw foods and excessive caffeine only fuel restlessness.

FAQs on seasonal depression and anxiety in women during colder days

What is seasonal depression and how does it affect women during colder days?

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter. For women, this condition can be more intense due to factors like hormonal changes and heightened nervous sensitivity.

Why do women experience more anxiety during winter?

Women often experience more anxiety during winter due to hormonal rhythms, reduced sunlight, and increased emotional load, all of which can exacerbate Vata dosha, leading to heightened anxiety levels.

How can Ayurveda help alleviate seasonal depression and anxiety in women?

Ayurveda can help by introducing qualities opposite to those of Vata, such as warmth, steadiness, and nourishment. Regular routines, warm oil massages, slow yoga, and specific dietary choices can help balance Vata and reduce anxiety.

What dietary changes can support mental balance during winter?

Consuming warm, moist and grounding foods like soups, stews, and porridges, along with ghee, sesame oil, and nut milks, can support the nervous system. Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and fennel can also help stabilize mood. Avoiding cold, raw foods and excessive caffeine is recommended.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.