As a salon owner, I meet so many women who sit in my chair carrying not just their beauty concerns, but also the weight of their worries. Anxiety, in its many forms, is something I hear about daily. And like many of you, I’ve felt it too, those restless nights, racing thoughts, and a sense of being pulled in all directions.
When I discovered Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic healing, it gave me a completely different way of understanding mental health. Unlike Western approaches that often separate the body and the mind, Ayurveda sees them as part of one whole, alongside the spirit. If one is out of balance, everything is affected.
In Ayurveda, anxiety is often linked to an aggravated Vata dosha, the energy connected to movement and air. Too much Vata can leave us feeling unsettled, scattered, and anxious. The good news is, by calming Vata (and sometimes Pitta too), we can restore balance and find peace again.
So, how do we do this in daily life? Here are some Ayurvedic practices that I personally find powerful and practical:
- Routine is everything. Anxiety thrives in chaos. Ayurveda recommends steady routines, regular meals, consistent sleep, and moments of stillness each day. It sounds simple but giving yourself that structure can make a huge difference.
- Eat to balance. If your anxiety feels heightened, choose warm, nourishing, cooked foods like soups, daals, and root vegetables. If you’re more prone to fiery stress, cooling foods like cucumber, mint, and coconut water can bring calm. And cutting down on caffeine and spicy foods really helps.
- Herbal support. Ashwagandha, tulsi (holy basil), and brahmi are classic Ayurvedic herbs that support the nervous system. Even a cup of chamomile or mint tea in the evening can work wonders.
- Self-care rituals. One of my favourites is abhyanga, or self-massage, with warm sesame or coconut oil. It grounds you, soothes the body, and feels like an act of kindness towards yourself.
- Movement and breath. Gentle yoga and breathing practices such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) are brilliant for calming both body and mind. Add a short meditation and you’ll notice the shift.
- Soothe the senses. Lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile oils in a diffuser, a warm bath with herbs, or simply walking in nature, these little rituals help cultivate sattva, that state of clarity and harmony Ayurveda encourages us to seek.
Most importantly, Ayurveda reminds us that anxiety isn’t something to “fix” in one go. It’s about cultivating balance every day, through diet, lifestyle, and self-care. For me, it has been a journey of learning to listen to my body and my mind and giving them what they need.
If you are struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Try introducing even one or two of these practices into your life. Small changes can bring big peace.
Because when we take care of our inner balance, we shine brighter on the outside too.
