As Fall approaches, the days become shorter drawing us indoors earlier. Warm fires, pumpkin candles, and hot teas comfort us as we take time to reflect. A decrease in sunlight, cooler temps, and new routines come along with the return to school. These changes can create shifts in our moods and energy patterns, which can lead to stress and seasonal colds. We can also notice changes in our skin such as feeling drier than the summer months. It is important that we pay attention to our lifestyle habits, making sure destructive behaviors aren’t creeping in and accelerating seasonal affects.
There are a variety of wellness rituals and activities we can incorporate into our routine to maintain balance and renew ourselves throughout the Fall season.
1. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has been around since 45000 b.c within the Roman culture. Hot and cold baths, steam, and aromatic massage were used to promote wellbeing. Hydrotherapy can be used to soothe sore muscles, induce relaxation, and reduce stress. Hot water is also thought to stimulate the immune system. Dry brushing and adding Epsom salts to your water will help stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification. Adding herbs and aromatherapy will increase benefit even more.
2. Wellness Workout
Exercise will be a an important part of your self-care routine throughout the Fall to balance mood and feelings of wellbeing. There are a variety of exercises out there and it helps to find something that is fitting for you. Yoga, biking, and even walking for 45 minutes 3-5 days per week will have many uplifting benefits.
3. Spend Time Outdoors
Bundling up and going for morning walks outside with a hot coffee, and taking in the colorful foliage and crisp air is one of my favorite fall activities. Any exposure to sunlight throughout the cooler months will help with your vitamin D levels, which also helps combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
4. Eat Healthy Comfort Foods
The cooler temps make us crave warm foods that make us feel cozy and the great part is we can enjoy these types of meals while staying healthy. Healthy soups are the perfect fall comfort food. You can add lots of nutritious ingredients to soups such as mushrooms, onions, carrots, butternut squash and burdock root to name a few. Chili is another delicious and healthy fall comfort food.
5. Change up your skincare rituals
As the seasons change, so does our skin. Typically, our skin can fluctuate in the fall from normal to dry and can use some brightening. It is a good time of year to incorporate products designed for normal to dry skin such as a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Add in light exfoliation, a brightening serum, and hydrating mask along with botanical steam and aromatic steamed towels for deeper relaxation and a refreshed glow.
