This week “officially” kicks off the holiday season – we say “officially” because the holiday parties are almost upon us. It’s time to break out your favorite holiday outfit and get down with the season!
Note: This tip is written for each dosha type. First take our dosha quiz to find out your dosha-type and then read the tip for your type:
FOR KAPHA DOSHAS:
We thought it would be a good idea to remind our readers about some dosha party etiquette, because we know how easy it is for you, dear Kapha, to become somewhat overwhelmed by all those locations, libations, and lights!
You will undoubtedly be invited to several parties this season, and out of all invitations you’ve received, you may decide to attend only one! Although this time of year is supposed to be celebratory, it can be quite an emotional time for you. We absolutely understand this, but we suggest that you move a tiny bit out of your comfort zone this holiday season. You may feel that you want to hibernate and be a recluse all winter, but laughter and merriment is just what you need to open your heart this season.
To help you break out of your shell, here are a few suggestions to allow you to enjoy yourself and the holidays.
- If you’ve been invited to a party, go to it! If you feel too shy to go solo, go with a friend. Bring one of those really delicious dishes you are justly famous for, and have a great time!
- Keep away from the wall. Once you’ve arrived at the party, don’t settle into the darkest corner of the room, sit in the middle where it’s going on. Engage in the conversation and be your simplest self.
- When it comes to booze, Kaphas generally can drink more than other people without getting too tipsy. This is generally because your metabolism is slightly slower, so you may be ok that night, but a hangover can lurk in the morning. Limit your alcohol consumption to two drinks max. And avoid the holiday “special” drinks, as they tend to have more sugar in them than a MacDonald’s milkshake!
- Thank your hosts before leaving. Generally, you do, but when you get to the point in the party when you feel that it’s time to go home, try not to slip out into the night. Say goodnight to the people you’ve met, especially your hosts! They may try to convince you to stay. If so, stay – even if it’s just for another hour. Honestly, it will do your doshas good!
We thought it would be a good idea to remind our readers about a little dosha party etiquette, because we know how easy it is for you, dear Pitta, to become competitive with all those libations, locations, and lights!
You many have already been invited to several parties, and of all the invitations you’ve received, decided that your holiday party is going to be the best (it pretty much always is). And you will move heaven and earth to make sure it’s THE event of the season. If Vata is the life of the party, Pitta is the soul. You want everything to be both exceptional and flawless, but do you really have to outdo everybody, all the time?
We’d love to be invited to your holiday bash, who wouldn’t? But maybe this year, we can help you take the rage out of your “rager.”
- First, when you’re attending holiday parties, avoid the urge to compare theirs with yours. Naturally, yours is going to be a smash, but don’t rub it in. Be present and considerate of other people’s feelings, and have fun.
- Think quality rather than quantity when it comes to your guest list. You’re capable of great discernment with people, along with everything else, but now you’re about to let a huge bunch into your home! Fight the urge to invite 20% more guests to your party than the biggest party of the year.
- Go easy on the liquor. More injuries befall more Pittas when they are tipsy (and Pittas like getting tipsy, sometimes even more than just tipsy). Your yoga skills are surely impressive, but may we suggest not doing a headstand after 3 gin & tonics!
- Eat! If you are going to drink, make sure to eat before and during the party. Choose foods that are neither spicy nor overly acidic, and eat something more substantial than a salad! At the end of the evening, drink a glass of room temperature water, or perhaps some coconut water (not iced).
We thought this would be a good idea to remind our readers of a little dosha party etiquette, because we know how easy it is for you, dear Vata, to get carried away with all those libations, locations, and lights!
You are THE life of the party and tend to be on everyone’s guest list. And we know how you can get when you have to make too many decisions. It’s not for nothing that Vata celebs have personal assistants or ‘handlers’ who whisk them from one venue to the next, take care of life’s large and small details, and protect them. We regular Vatas have to watch it not to spread ourselves too thin. (There isn’t that much of us to go around in the first place!) Our forte is quality rather than quantity.
To avoid being all over the map this holiday season, here are a few tips to prevent potentially Vata deranging situations and allow you to enjoy yourself!
- Commit to only 50% of the parties you’re invited to (and in some cases as few as 30%). We are IN Vata season, so try not to commit to too much, or you may feel that you haven’t left enough time for yourself to stay balanced.
- When you’re at one of the events you have elected to attend, be present with the host and guests. And make sure to eat something (something which is NOT Vata increasing) before you arrive. In most cases, you will be offered a glass of something as soon as you arrive, and it’s best to have something in your tummy before the booze flows. (Party food choices are often be lto chips, nuts, and pretzels, all very Vata increasing.)
- Speaking of booze, if you are going to enjoy a holiday cocktail, have something simple and uncomplicated, and keep it to a two-drink maximum! Avoid “specialty” drinks, which may be a combination of several different liquors and will more than likely be loaded with more sugar (and who knows what else) than a MacDonald’s milkshake!
- Know when it’s time to say goodnight. The temptation to stay out late is big for you. Of course people want you to stay, or to convince you to go to that super-hard-to-get-into after hours club where you can dance until the sun comes up. Don’t do it, dear Vata. Don’t do it! Although you may be sorely tempted, the best way for you to be at your best is to balance Vata with…REST! Go home and go to bed, so you can continue to be your brightest, most brilliant self.
We thought it would be a good idea to remind our readers about some dosha party etiquette, because we know how easy it is for you, dear Tridosha, to get carried away with all those libations, locations, and lights!
You can be the life of the party (Vata), or the soul of the Party (Pitta), or the party pooper (Kapha)! it all depends on the vibe you are experiencing at the time and how you feel about the holidays. For some, it’s time to celebrate; for others, it’s a time to look back and remember. The holidays bring many emotions to the table, and it may be that you are the kind of person people have come to rely on to help “keep it together”. This may mean anything from using your Project Management skills, to your ability to be resourceful, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on.
It’s important for you to stay as grounded as possible, because you are strongly influenced by the flowing tide of your doshas, and if you’re not careful, all three can go out of balance (Aieeee)! Here are few tips to keep you mindful of your all important dosha balance:
- When it comes to your social calendar, commit to your close friends and family this season. Remember, we are IN Vata season, so try not to overdo, or you may well feel that you haven’t left any time for yourself to stay balanced.
- When you get to the party of your choice, be present with the host and with the other guests. Make sure! that you eat something (something which is NOT Vata increasing) before you arrive. You will probably be handed a glass of something right away, and it’s ideal to have food in your tummy before the booze flows. Your choices at the party may be limited to chips and pretzels, which are very Vata deranging.
- Speaking of booze, if you’re going to enjoy a holiday cocktail, have something simple and uncomplicated, and keep it to a two-drink maximum. And avoid the 3 plus drink zone! Too much booze can aggravate your Pitta, and nobody likes a hothead, especially at a party!
- Know when it’s time to say goodnight. The temptation to stay out late (like all night) can be powerful for you. Just say “no” to an invitation to that that super-hard-to-get-into after hours club where you can dance until the sun comes up. Don’t go, dear Tridosha. Don’t go! You may be tempted, but the best way to balance Vata is rest. Go home and go to bed, so you can be your brilliant superself the next day!