The fall always seems to be a busy time.
One of the hardest things to do this time of year is find ways to take care of ourselves as we shiver into sweaters and rearrange our days to accommodate the early sunset. It’s important that we do, though. Self-care is vital year-round, but as the days get shorter it seems even more urgent to treat ourselves kindly.
By inviting these intentions into our lives, we can ensure we function at our best selves during this transitional time. Here are six focuses for autumn wellness that you can try this season.
1. Satisfy with seasonal meals
While this should be practiced every season, it is particularly important during autumn, as this time is all about the harvest. Local farmers markets will be abundant in hearty vegetables and fruits, so fill up your basket with fresh beets, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kale, pumpkin, broths, roasted squash, roots and sautéed dark leafy greens are all great choices and figs. Think dishes like creamy pumpkin soup, flakey apple pies, kale and walnut salads, cranberry chutney, caramelized pears and honey, rosemary parsnips, figs and goat cheese tarts, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Not only are these colourful root vegetables incredibly nourishing, but by consuming them, you are absorbing the energy of the earth and grounding yourself to the vitality of the season.
2. Explore oils
This season is all about nourishing your body, inside and out. With your seasonally-inspired meals, don’t be afraid to add extra oil and healthy fats. Grass-fed butter, olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, and sesame oil are all great ways to increase your internal lubrication. Nourish the outside of your body as well. Sesame oil or almond oil massages are wonderfully soothing and relaxing, giving your skin the extra drop of moisture it needs to stay supple and warm during the transition to cooler temperatures.
3. Boost your immunity
‘Tis the season for sniffles! Cold, flu, and COVID are all running rampant as the autumn approaches. Remember to schedule your updated vaccinations and get out ahead of the office plagues! Protect yourself this year by boosting your immunity. Pump yourself full of the bounty of Mother Nature – ginger tea, E3 Live, bee propolis, turmeric lattes, vitamins D and C, Echinacea, elderberry tincture, lemon water – these are all energizing and immunity-boosting secrets that will keep you feeling like your best self this fall.
4. Define your solurenity
Dedicate some time to yourself. Autumn and winter serve as reminders from Earth, telling us to slow down. Start journaling or track your moods to become more in tune with your feelings. As with the harvest, this season is about staying rooted. So using this vibe, take some time to slow down and connect with your own inner root. Define your purpose, the things that make you happy, add value to your life, and the things that energize you. Make time for mindful meditation and set intentions for the important things you want to harvest this season.
5. Reduce movement
Autumn can be hard on the physical body with the cooler temperatures coming in. To maintain warmth within your being and to be mindful of the change in the air, engage in slower movement activities like yoga. You will generate heat within you but not overexert your already hard-working body. Opting to go for nature walks and hikes is also a great, slower-paced way to embrace the outdoors and help you feel grounded.
6. Fine tune your natural sleep cycle
With the days getting shorter and the approach end of Daylight Savings, it’s essential to make sleep hygiene a priority. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night and do your best to limit your screen (and blue light!) exposure within a few hours of bedtime. A well-rested body is a healthy body and taking time to unwind before bed and sleeping earlier than our late summer routine will help us align ourselves to the season and allow us to be fully rested.
Every season presents its own unique opportunity to better our wellbeing and autumn is no exception. We hope these autumn wellness tips help you to make the most of the season! Physical and mental health is a practice and a commitment, that’s worth embracing any time of year!Make autumn your time for self-care and nourishment. Align yourself with the energy of the earth and slow down this harvest season
