Autumn Wellness
I’ve always believed that we can look to nature to guide us through the changing of the seasons. Autumn is a season for introspection, preparation, and change as we shed what no longer serves us. We see evidence in the way that trees change color, leaves are shed, and the air cools and shifts.
As you follow nature’s guidance, find some wellness tips below to help you make the most of this autumn.
Slow down. Just as nature begins to slow and retreat, so will our bodies and minds. After summer months filled with sun, activity, trips, and busy schedules, autumn invites us to return to more reflective activities such as meditation, yoga, journaling, reading, leisurely walks, hot baths, and bonfires.
Embrace the opportunity to shed energy, thoughts, and behaviors that no longer serve you. The beginning of a new season is an opportunity to adopt new habits that better serve your wellbeing and help sustain you over the winter.
Enjoy foods that are in season such as apples, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, squash, carrots, beets, kale, cranberries, and brussels sprouts. Enjoy the seasonal experience of roasting, slow cooking, and making hearty soups as you gather around the kitchen. Continue to visit farms and farm markets for delicious, fresh, and seasonal produce.
Make extra soup and slow cooker meals for freezing. Chilly weather and the return to school are great reasons to have ready-to-go healthy meals in the freezer for nights you don’t feel like food preparation.
Get to sleep a bit earlier. Many of us shift our sleep schedules in the summer months to accommodate more daylight and evening social activities. As daylight saving time approaches, it can be helpful to start shifting bed time earlier (even in as little as 15 minute increments) to allow your body the time it needs to adjust, rest, and heal.
Support your immune system. Autumn is a time when colds and other illnesses circulate. Rest, wash your hands, stay home when you don’t feel well, and eat immune-boosting foods and beverages. Surround yourself with uplifting company and media.
With many holidays around the corner, enjoy them safely! While exciting and fun, holidays can bring up difficult feelings, memories, and cause us to abandon healthy habits. Find middle ground between enjoyment, flexibility, and kindness to your body and mind. Remember that support is available.
Plan ahead for chillier weather. Autumn usually offers plenty of temperatures that are comfortable for outdoor recreation and exercise. Especially if you are someone who spends a lot more time outdoors in the summer than in colder temperatures, come up with advance plans for how you’ll sustain fresh air and exercise routines. Planning ahead can help with followthrough and seamless transitions.
* As with any wellness tips, please consider your individual health before implementing any changes. If you’re unsure, do some research and seek the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Some of my favorite fall recipes are listed below. Many fall favorites can be made with healthier ingredients and easy swaps.
