Simple Fall Self Care Practices: Body, Mind, & Spirit

Fall feels magical! ✨🍂✨ The warm golden light of the early morning and late afternoon feels peaceful, comforting, and otherworldly. The crisp morning air, warm afternoons, and cool evenings signify the seasonal shift from the warm and expansive energy of summer to the cool and restful energy of winter. In our gardens and farmers markets there is a bounty of colorful squash and root vegetables that inspire a sense of gratitude and nourishment. 

In a holistic way of living we look to Nature as our guide for cultivating health and vitality. Our internal environment is influenced by our external environment; the amount and timing of light and dark, temperature, humidity, the shifting of colors, and the changes in plant life are cues to our ancient biological systems. We are intrinsically connected to the rhythms and cycles of Nature and so we feel our best when we are living and eating in harmony with the seasons. In traditional medicine, every change of season is an opportunity to recalibrate and cultivate balance in our body, mind, and spirit.

Attune To Fall

Sit outside in Nature, slow down and become aware of your surroundings. Observe the fall colors, feel the air on your skin, listen to the sounds, and go within. What is Nature calling you to do? What does your body, mind, and spirit need for you to feel aligned with this season?

• BODY:

  • The days are getting shorter so there is less light and energy. Turn the lights in your home down low in sync with the light outside, go to bed earlier, and allow yourself to sleep in when you can. This will support your circadian rhythm which is vital to maintaining balance of our endocrine system.

  • Plants and animals are moving inward, conserving their energy and resources in preparation for winter. Take more time for quiet and rest. Nourish yourself with denser foods; higher amounts of protein and root vegetables, cooked slowly at lower temperatures.

  • The air is drier and the temperature is cooler which can be hard on the skin, lungs, and digestion. Balance this by eating warm moistening foods such as soups, stews, broths, squashes, pears, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. Include more warming spices such as ginger, garlic, and cinnamon. 

    How would you feel if you conserved your resources by taking more time for quiet and rest this Fall? What is one thing you can do to bring more quiet and rest into your life this season?

• MIND:

  • Less daylight can cause low moods over time. Start to establish a daily ritual of getting outside and moving during the brightest time of day to prevent the low moods that many people experience when we move into winter.

• SPIRIT:

  • Symbolically, fall is a time of letting go. Plants and trees are dropping their leaves, composting to create fertile soil for new life in the spring.

    Spend some time thinking and journaling about what you are ready to let go of. this fall? What are you ready to release and compost? How will this nourish you in the future?

Enjoy this beautiful fall! 🦋