Beat the Autumn Blues!
This time of year can be so beautiful. The air has a more crisp and clean texture to it. The leaves are starting to change to a multitude of different shades of gorgeous reds and yellows. And most of the time, the air conditioners can be shut off so we can bust the windows wide open to let the fresh air circulate throughout our homes. Yet, the daylight starts to fade sooner and sooner each night. Our morning light comes later and later each dawn. And you start to feel, well, a little ‘off’. Not as cheerful or optimistic. More sleepy and wanting to stay inside more often. The autumn blues have silently snuck up on you!
I am definitely one of those that suffers from moods changes during any season change of the year, more negatively in the fall and most certainly during the winter months. Now that I have noticed this pattern about myself, and see it in the majority of my patients, I thought a quick blog, on the things that I have implemented in my life that help to get me through these changes, was in order.
Number one on my list is to go outside every day. Unless it is pouring rain outside, I just bundle myself up, get my walking shoes on and skip out the door. In particular when it is sunny outside, knowing that the vitamin D is very beneficial in mood stabilization, and aids in immune system boosting! Since it is still not entirely freezing out yet, I will take off my shoes and put my feet on the grass in my backyard in the morning. This will automatically ground your energy leading to a calmer nervous system and thus mind and body. I will do a blog on grounding and its benefits in the future, so stayed tuned for that!
Number two on my list is to keep the body moving. It is WAY too easy these days to be sedentary! Even as a Naturopathic Doctor, I find myself sitting at a desk, unless I am doing Bowen, and doing research or writing. Going for a small walk in the morning, at lunch and at night really adds up to increasing your circulation, keeping your muscles and body tissues fit, and to a calm and centred mind. Some people love to do Yoga, or Pilates or weight training to keep their muscles toned and to maintain their strength. I personally prefer to do Pilates 2-3 times a week. It is important to pick activities that you enjoy and your body loves to keep it consistent and enjoyable!
Number 3 on my list would be to add more ‘warming’ foods to my diet. Soups and stews become more prevalent than salad in my diet in the fall and winter months. Raw foods, such as salads and smoothies, can encourage dampness and heaviness in the body, according to TCM principles. Warming spices, such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon, can also be used to ‘warm’ your foods. Adding a dash of cinnamon to my smoothies in the morning allows me to still consume ‘colder’ type foods that I love. Missing your greens? Throw handfuls of spinach to your soups and stews. Add ginger to your salad dressings if you still want the raw salad!
And lastly on my list would be to allow my body to rest more if I find that my energy is waning. When it is darker outside the body instinctively changes its rhythm to different rest times and cycles. Going to bed earlier will give your adrenal glands a break and allow for your body to regenerate better. Use some time before bed to journal or set out your intentions for this fall season to allow for a re-set and re-focus of your energy and life.
I always found bodywork and self-care to be essential during this time for peace of mind, body and spirit. If you are looking for a customized plan for you, Naturopathic Medicine and Bowen Therapy can help! Please e-mail the clinic at info@stephaniefarwellnd.ca or call at (519)954-9168.