It’s that time of year again! Decorative gourds, pumpkin spice lattes, and spooky season. For many, fall is a prequel to the holiday season, which can be a busy (and stressful) time of the year. Autumn however, is also a season where the earth begins to turn inward and deepen into its roots. While we love the holidays, we also like to take a cue from nature and allow plenty of time and space for ourselves. Now is the best time to begin grounding practices, setting boundaries, and focusing on your personal wellness through the season itself.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead - Fall is a great time to revisit your 2021 goals before the year’s end. There’s still time to refocus on what’s been important to you over the last year. Make conscious decisions around your diet, physical health, sleep, and wellbeing. Simple self-awareness can help you recognize your own boundaries, especially as the holidays approach. Take the time to examine your triggers and remove unnecessary stressors from your plate to avoid heading into the cold and flu season feeling run down or burned out.
Embrace the Tastes of the Season - This is the time for well-cooked, hearty foods like pumpkin, kale, soups, broths and nuts. With cooler temps, it's a good time to turn on the oven and make roasted veggies. Add warmth to your meals by choosing spices like cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg, and turmeric. Consider switching from cold brew to a warm beverage to start your day gently. (I always crave a warm cup of nourishing Golden Milk this time of year!)
Catch Some Zzzzs - The days are getting shorter, which can throw off our sleep schedules. Make sure you’re going to sleep at the same time each night, as well as setting your morning alarm for the same time. Not only will this help to set better habits, it will make the switch to daylight savings time easier. Seasonal transitions can be a wonderful opportunity to rest, so give yourself permission to slow down.
Dry brushing - Oh the benefits of exfoliation, not to mention bath season. If you’re new to dry brushing, we highly suggest our Dry Lymphatic Brush. Start brushing in short, brisk strokes at your feet and move upwards, brushing in wide clockwise motions up your entire body toward your heart. Afterwards take a cool shower to wash off any dead skin and further stimulate your lymphatic system. We recommend using a body oil afterwards, like our Rose or Cypress Oil. Clean your brush by spraying it with a mix of vinegar and water or witch hazel and water and let air dry (don't submerge the brush in water).
*Be aware that dry brushing may not be for those with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Do not dry brush over infected or inflamed skin areas.
Jump Start Your Immunity - While there are plenty of immune supporting supplements and products, one of our all-time faves is good old fashioned garlic, available abundantly (and inexpensively) at any grocery store. The lungs, cardiovascular system, and gut flora all benefit from this potent antiviral and antimicrobial kitchen staple. We love to use this preventatively as the seasons shift in order to strengthen the immune system.
How to: Peel and finely chop one clove of garlic, then let sit for 10 minutes (a very important step to release allicin, a beneficial amino acid found in raw garlic that gives it potency). Scoop it into a spoon and swallow it with lots of water or covered in honey. Be sure to swallow and not chew as to avoid harsh garlic breath!
Keep Things Moving - Be it walking, stretching, restorative yoga, or more vigorous practices like dance, running, or weight lifting, movement will cultivate heat and strength ahead of the cold winter to come. Not to mention the endorphin hit for those prone to seasonal affective disorder. Fall is a great season for re-attuning with our bodies, and movement is a wonderful way to help us come home to ourselves.