Wholesome Habits to help You Healthfully Transition into the Cooler Season
As we gradually move into autumn, the days become shorter and darker, and the temperature becomes cooler and drier. For many, the change in weather and fewer daylight hours affect our sleep, food choices, daily routines, as well as our motivation to exercise. If you have young children, cold and flu seems to always be lurking around the corner. In nature, the cooling weather ushers in the harvest and signals the start of the dying cycle - leaves and fruits wither and fall, seeds dry and tree sap descend to the roots. With this change in nature comes change in what our bodies need to thrive in the coming season. Seasonal transitions are often hard on our bodies, and extra care must be taken to stay healthy and vital - especially the respiratory system, leading to an increase in colds, coughs and allergies.
Nature won’t adapt to us, so we must adapt to nature.
In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life and medicine, each season has a quality about it. Summer is hot and active, fall and winter are cool and slower moving and spring moves from the dormancy of winter to coming alive after taking a long rest. Taking time to notice the changes in nature can give us some ideas on how to stay balanced and healthy as we move through our year. Ayurveda says that most diseases are born during the changing of the seasons. Seasonal changes often leave us unbalanced and in need of some self-care and attention.
To maintain balance in our body during seasonal changes, we can adjust our body temperature with the foods we eat.
It can be beneficial to begin cutting back and eliminating the cooling foods of summer: raw foods such as fruit and salads and juices. The basic thing to understand about our bodies and the environment in which we live, according to Ayurveda, is that like increases like and opposites balance. The premise is that shifting diet and lifestyle with the season keeps the body in balance. When it is hot in the summer time, we restore balance by staying cool - by eating cooling foods like watermelon, salads, citrus, cucumbers and freshly pressed juices. When we move from the dormancy of winter to the alive energy of spring, we begin to move our bodies to get in sync with the rhythms that surround us in nature. As we’d cut back in spring and summer, we can now begin to increase protein consumption and begin eating more warming and cooked foods. Replacing salads with lightly steamed vegetables and soups, and eating cooked foods with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, chilies and curry - will warm us from the inside out.
Autumn is known as being cold, dry, dispersing and quickly change. So if we consider the basic principles of Ayurveda, like increases like and opposites balance, we would want to balance those qualities with opposite qualities of warmth, moisture, slowness and focus.
To achieve balance in your body, some beneficial fall foods to introduce into your diet are: sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, turnips, bok-choy, broccoli, leeks, beets and pumpkin; whole grains such as quinoa, barley, buckwheat, millet and oats; herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, rosemary, sage, and thyme; and seasonal fruits like apples, pears, cranberries, pomegranate.
Let’s take a look at some simple tips to make the change of season a little smoother.
Eat Seasonal Foods - Eating foods that are in season is a natural and easy way to be healthy this time of year and at every change of season for that matter. Mother Nature gives us the perfect foods to do that. The foods that harvest each season are designed to support our bodies during that particular season, so trust the intelligence of nature. For example: Fall and winter bring us cold and flu season. Nature offers us an abundance of golden-orange root vegetables which gives us protection from cold and flu, because of their rich beta-carotene content which bolsters the immune system.
Switching up the foods we eat at each season prevents boredom, illness, nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.
Lots of farmers markets stay open well into November, so drop by to stock up on fruits, vegetables, herbs and local meats. Many root vegetables are in season and are an inexpensive and nutritious way to add variety to your diet. Plus, the fresher your food, the more nutritious it is.
Lifestyle changes during seasonal transition are just as important as diet.
Take Advantage of the Weather - Fall is a great time to exercise outdoors and enjoy the cooler temperatures and fresh, crisp air. Walking, running, biking and hiking will get your heart pumping, and also treat your senses to vibrant foliage, crunchy leaves underfoot and fresh fall smells in the air. It’s also perfect park weather with little ones. There’s no need to fuss with sunscreen, hats, shades, UVB clothing, swimsuits and so on - throw on a pair of long pants, runners and a cozy sweater and you're good to go.
Dry Brushing - As the weather starts to get cooler and drier, your skin can become dull. I know mine sure does! One thing that has helped me tremendously with dry, itchy, cracked and even bleeding skin is dry brushing. Your skin, the largest organ in the human body is an organ of elimination. One third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins that become trapped in the skin as well stimulate oil producing glands- leaving your skin soft, smooth and glowing.
To get started, follow these simple steps:
Purchase a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush with a long handle so you can reach all areas of your body.
Begin brushing your bare skin by starting at your feet and moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart. Be gentle around sensitive areas. Always brush toward your heart and brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go.
Once you've brushed your entire body, jump in the shower and alternate between the hottest water temperature you can tolerate and the coldest. This stimulates blood circulation, bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin.
After getting out of the shower, pat dry skin and apply a natural oil like rose hip, sweet almond or coconut oil.
Meditate - Consider adding a regular meditation practice to your morning routine or whenever is convenient for your lifestyle. Your practice could be as short as five to ten minutes to start, increasing the time after you are successful with five to ten minutes for two weeks or more. The concentration and focus required to meditate can be extremely healthy and beneficial in reducing stress or anxiety around new routines, seasons and holidays.
Early to Bed and Early to Rise - According to ancient Chinese philosophy, one's sleeping habits should adjust with the changing length of days through the seasons. In autumn, as the days become shorter, try going to sleep earlier to avoid the chilly nights and waking early to enjoy the crisp morning air. We need extra rest during times of transition.
Hydrate - Autumn is associated with dryness. It is important to hydrate by drinking at least 8 to10 glasses of filtered water daily. Water will help promote healthier bowel movements, smoother skin, balanced energy and overall health.
Here are some fall recipes to help you feel nourished, balanced and grounded during this seasonal transition: Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Cream, Sea Salt Root Veggie Chips with Herb and Garlic Dip, Apple-Cinnamon Chia Pudding and Sweet Potato, Lentil and Turmeric Stew.
