Quiz: Are You in Kapha Overload

ojayogacommunity
Sep 7
3 min read

In Ayurveda, spring is known as Kapha season - the time when earth and water dominate. The same forces that shape the environment also move through us. Kapha is the dosha of structure, stability, nourishment, and cohesion. At its best, it gives us strength, immunity, compassion, and groundedness. But when Kapha builds up -especially after winter’s stillness and heavy foods - it can tip into imbalance: dullness, inertia, depression, attachment, weight gain, or allergies. The good news is identifying where you are at on the 'kapha spectrum' empowers you with the opportunity to make structured do-able positive changes if needed.

QUICK QUIZ TIME...

Answer YES/NO:

Do you feel sluggish or sleepy, even after enough rest?
Do you crave heavy, sweet or creamy foods?
Do you notice congestion, allergies or sinus buildup?
Do you struggle with motivation or procrastination lately?
Do you feel emotionally stuck, attached or resistant to change?

Mostly YES = Kapha imbalance.→ Yoga + lifestyle this season can help you lighten, energise, and renew.

Kapha Season Solution: Lighten, Energise, Awaken

If you answered mostly YES, you may be experiencing Kapha overload — too much heaviness, stagnation, or attachment. Ayurveda reminds us: like increases like, and opposites bring balance. To counter Kapha’s damp, heavy, and slow nature, we call in lightness, warmth, and movement.

(*IMPORTANT Key Tip: Only do one small action at a time, break it up into bite size realistic pieces, so its not overwhelming and so you accomplish what you set out to do. You don't have to do it all at once. This is just a guide for you to take or leave or fine tune to your needs.)

Lifestyle shifts

Wake early (before sunrise): Kapha time of day (6–10am, 6–10pm) is naturally heavy; rising before dawn keeps you light.
Move daily with enthusiasm: Favour invigorating practices -fast walking, vinyasa yoga, dancing, or anything that makes you sweat.
Declutter & refresh: Clear your home, wardrobe, and even your routines. Kapha holds on-practice letting go.
Seek stimulation: New experiences, travel, learning- anything that stirs curiosity and breaks monotony.

Food

Favour light, warm, dry foods: Steamed or roasted veggies, legumes, millet, quinoa.
Reduce heavy, oily, cold foods: Dairy, fried foods, excessive bread/pasta, too many sweets.
Spice it up: Ginger, black pepper, chili, turmeric, and mustard seed ignite agni (digestive fire).
Eat less at night: Main meal at lunch, lighter in the evening. Avoid late-night snacking.

Yoga & Breath-work

Energising flows: Sun salutations, dynamic standing sequences, backbends, strong twists.
Uplifting pranayama: Kapalbhati (skull-shining breath), Bhastrika (bellows breath) to shake off lethargy. The healthy 'shot of coffee' effect. Be mindful to pause after this breath-work!
Meditation on impermanence: Reflect on what you’re holding onto that no longer serves.

Sleep

Limit oversleeping: Around 7–8 hours is typically enough. Too much sleep feeds Kapha heaviness. You know you.
No naps unless sick: Daytime napping increases sluggishness.
Evening wind-down: Keep evenings stimulating but not heavy- strolls, light reading, or connecting with friends instead of couch-coma or food-coma styleeee.

Mantra for Kapha season:“I welcome change. I release what is stagnant and awaken to lightness.”

Spring is not just a season outside — it is a season inside. If winter was the long exhale, spring is the first full inhale. This is the time to stir the soil of our being, to loosen what has been stuck, and to plant the seeds of new beginnings. Your yoga practice is not just exercise — it is a mirror of the seasons. By breathing, twisting, flowing, sweating, and showing up, you are saying to your body and spirit: I choose renewal. I choose aliveness.