Thriving and Surviving the Fall Season

Summer is officially over; fall is here. I love the cool breezes, sweaters and jeans, and hot coffee instead of iced. I just love this time of year!

But I've discovered that I'm feeling a little out of whack lately. Is the change of season to blame?

Even though the cooler weather has just begun. I have already noticed that my skin is more dry, including my hands, and I feel more absent-minded and scattered. We have all experienced the dry, chapped skin of cold weather months, but can the season change really affect how we feel?

The answer is YES!

Fall (known as Vata Season in Ayurveda) brings wind, dryness, and cold. And since we are all creatures of nature, nature affects us greatly. The diet, cosmetics, even exercise that worked for us in the hot and humid months may not suit us in the fall. If we continue to follow the practices of summer, this will most likely cause imbalance in body and mind.

A few simple changes will have you on track with the new season in no time.

Diet. I have been adding a little bit of Ghee to my diet, on toast or stirred into oatmeal. Ghee is a warming oil and good for digestion and heating the body. It also helps to keep us lubed inside and out. Also, steering clear of iced drinks and raw fruits and vegetables, opting for heated (or at least room temp) drinks and cooked fruit and veg in their place, will help to keep you warm from the inside out. Soups and mildly spicy foods are perfect for cooler weather. Or how about a baked apple? Yum!

Exercise. As the days begin to grow shorter, we need to work harder at keeping our energy levels up. Running in the cold morning air may be perfect for some but it just isn't my thing. I'm adding some warming yoga poses to my morning routine to get the blood pumping, boost energy, and lift my spirits. These asanas are sure to fire up your yoga program. Or check into a local yoga center for a Bikram yoga (or hot yoga) class where yoga is done in a warm room.

Meditation. This practice is so great for centering the mind, turning inside, and de-stressing mind and body any time of year. And it is not just effective for the 15 minutes or so that you are meditation. Its benefits carry with you through out the day. Remember: meditation does not have to be the sitting with eyes shut chanting “om” that you may envision (though that is perfectly fine if you like to). Meditation can be simple mindfulness. Just being present in what you are doing in the moment rather than letting your mind race with thoughts of what you have to do. Even if just for a minute or two. Give it a try and work up to longer periods of time. Check out these tips on getting started.

Beauty. Really it is about comfort as well as beauty. Dry skin not only makes you look older than you are, but feels uncomfortably tight and can turn irritated if left too long. I have been giving my skin a twice daily dose of Lily Organics Kukui Oil. Perfect under your usual moisturizer. Sometimes I will even apply it mid-day for added suppleness.

For hands I love Skin Lemon Mousse. Not only is it moisturizing, it is non-greasy and smells super yummy. Don’t wait until your knuckles are cracked and nails are split, apply hand cream throughout the day starting now.

We’ve covered this before, but skipping a day or two between shampoos will keep tresses from drying out and going flyaway. Bedhead an issue? Go ahead and wet hair, then apply a small dab of leave-in conditioner, Alaffia Shea & Virgin Coconut Hair Lotion works great here, and style as usual. You won’t believe the gloss and softness.

For body, I apply a rich moisturizer each and every day whether I feel like I need it or not. A healthy dose of Skin Naked Unscented Body Lotion after hopping out of the shower will seal in moisture and leave skin soft and smooth.

And then there are the feet. Seems like the soles are an issue all year long. Skin Peppermint Foot Rub will keep calluses under control. Massage into feet and slip into a pair of comfy socks right before bed and let this thick butter do its magic.

Routine. And lastly, maintain a regular schedule. I know this can be difficult with school, work, children’s activities, not to mention the holidays approaching. But maintaining a regular schedule (yes, even on the weekends) is essential in keeping us calm and grounded, easing the fluttery mind of the season. So set your alarm and get your Zzzzzs, just do it at the same time each day.

Have any Autumn rituals that you pull out of your bag of tricks each year? We’d love to hear them.