Why We’re All a Little Kapha Right Now (And What to Do About It)
Feeling sluggish, snack-obsessed, or oddly emotional? It’s not just you—it’s Kapha season. Let’s talk about what’s happening and how to shift it gently.
Namaste!
We’re already in April—the fourth month of the year. And this spring, as we all get the itch to declutter our closets and clear out the drawers, I’d like to suggest we also take a look at what’s cluttering our minds.
I’ve realized it’s not just the stuff in my home that needs clearing—it’s the conversations, the social feeds, the interactions that leave me feeling drained or agitated. Maybe it’s not the most sattvic thing to say, but protecting your peace sometimes means being choosy about who gets your time and energy. I fully support that. Perhaps you should, too.
That heaviness you’re feeling—the foggy brain, the snack cravings, the inexplicable urge to nap mid-conversation? Before you blame yourself, just know: it might be Kapha showing up in full seasonal force.
If you’re not sure what Kapha is (or why it’s quietly sabotaging your motivation while whispering sweet nothings about leftover snacks), don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s talk about this deeply loyal, sometimes-too-sticky dosha, and what it has to do with how we feel right now.
Please tap the ❤️ button—it helps more people discover Ayurveda!
So... what is Kapha, exactly?
Think of Kapha as the friend who brings you soup when you're sick, remembers your dog’s birthday, and insists you cancel your plans because “you really need rest.” She’s steady, loving, and built for the long haul. But—if you let her take the lead for too long—she’ll have you living in sweatpants, binge-watching cozy dramas, and resisting all change.
In Ayurvedic terms, Kapha is made up of the elements earth and water, which gives her all the qualities you’d expect from that combo: heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, stable, and sticky.
When in balance, Kapha gives us some of the best parts of being human: compassion, stamina, physical strength, loyalty, deep sleep, and solid immunity. But when Kapha accumulates—and spring is prime time for that—it can feel like everything is moving through molasses. We get stuck in our thoughts. We hold onto relationships or routines long past their expiration date. We feel unmotivated, emotionally foggy, and physically... meh. There’s often mucus involved. Also snacks. Lots of snacks.
Kapha is the dosha most likely to say, “I’m fine,” while quietly eating leftover pizza in bed. You love her, but sometimes you just want to yell, MOVE!
What to Do About It (No Kale Juice Required)
By now you might be wondering: okay, I’m full of Kapha... now what? Should I start dry brushing while doing jumping jacks and sipping cumin tea?
Let’s not.
The truth is, Ayurveda doesn’t ask you to fight Kapha—it asks you to balance it. And sometimes that means shifting your routines in subtle, intentional ways. So instead of a full-on overhaul, here are a few very ideas to help you clear some space—mentally, emotionally, energetically:
Declutter One Thought
Forget your closet (for now). What’s one old belief, mental loop, or story you keep telling yourself that feels heavy? Maybe it’s “I should be more productive,” or “I have to respond to that text immediately or I’m a terrible friend.” Kapha loves familiarity, even when it doesn’t serve us. Let something go—even if it’s just an outdated should.
Don’t Spend Time with Energy Vampires - oh I have a couple of those.
Maybe not the most sattvic thing to say, but hear me out: protecting your peace matters. Kapha already makes us prone to holding on—so if someone’s presence leaves you drained, anxious, or annoyed for hours afterward... that’s not just “being a good listener.” That’s energetic mud. You don’t need to explain, justify, or fix it. Just create space. You’re allowed.
Get Bored (On Purpose)
Kapha doesn’t respond well to overstimulation—but it also doesn’t thrive on numbing out. If you’ve been screen-hopping your way through the day and still feel blah, try something radically unproductive. Stare out the window. Peel a carrot without a podcast. Let your brain get a little bored. Boredom can be a portal. (Also, it’s free.)
Move, But Not Like a Maniac
Yes, movement helps Kapha—but you don’t need to sign up for a bootcamp class or jog in the rain. Just pick one thing that feels like movement without punishment. Dance to one song. Walk fast enough to feel your heart. Swing your arms like you mean it. Think of it as shaking off the extra layers of sluggishness, stillness, and resistance to change.
One Last Thought
Kapha isn’t a problem. She’s generous, comforting, deeply supportive. But like your favorite comforter in winter, she gets heavy when the season shifts. You don’t need to banish her—you just need to make some room. Lighten the load. Reclaim a little inner spaciousness.
And the good news? Kapha season doesn’t last forever. As we move toward late spring, the fire and sharpness of Pitta begin to rise. Energy picks up. Focus returns. The fog lifts. But for now, be gentle with yourself as you navigate the sticky in-between.
Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to ask any questions you’d like answered in the next edition of Dear Ayurveda (published during the last week of April).
Namaste!
This all rings true.
I particularly loved the declutter one thought. I have lots to choose from. Working on that right now!