When autumn arrives we definitely know that change is in the air. Leaves began to turn colors and fall off the trees. The air feels crisp and dry and in Ayurveda, we say Vata dosha tends to increase, which may lead to imbalances. This is likely to remain until February, when changes occur once again.
You may have noticed that you are prone to go out of balance in the fall; its restless, sweeping qualities can disrupt your physiology and psychology. Occasional constipation, dry skin, irregular appetite, difficulty sleeping, stress and fatigue, to name a few can cause you to feel out-of-sync. The predominance of the elements, especially the wind can cause all of these problems and more. The season of fall can bring with it great excitement for change but can also be quite overwhelming to us all with the advent of the holiday season. I would like to offer you some suggestions to help you transition into the fall season without too much disruption to your normal flow of life.
With fall being the onset of dry and cold days and nights, the first tip I would like for you to consider is a diet that is warming, nourishing and comforting to the body and soul.
Following you will find other ways to help keep you balanced and well during this season.
6 Ways to Maintain Balance This Fall
1. First and foremost, you must regulate your mealtimes. Have lunch between 12 and 2 p.m., and dinner early in the evening. Don’t skip or neglect breakfast. This simple schedule will regulate your metabolism and hunger cycles, generate healthy agni (digestive fire), and help reduce the accumulation of toxins. I recommend herbal formulas for my clients that assist with toning the digestive tract, promotes healthy elimination and increases assimilation of all nutrients.
2. Start by going to bed early – ideally by 10 p.m. Get in the habit regardless of the hours you have been keeping. Your body will thank you in the morning.
3. It is important to pay attention to your diet. If you experience a lot of gas or air digestive challenges then opt for warm, unctuous foods cooked with healthy oils and spices.
4. Eating leftovers, raw foods, or processed and canned foods will create an imbalance. Fall foods should include hot soups, as well as freshly cooked and lightly spiced split-mung Dahl. In the morning, have a warm stewed apple, or cream of wheat cereal or oatmeal with warm almond milk. For midday meals, try sautéing vegetables in ghee and warming spices. Get wholesome nutrition with whole wheat bread or chapatti. If you’re hungry between meals, snack on almonds, dates or fresh fruit. Warm a cup of almond milk, flavored with a little cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg or a warm cup of almond milk with a bit of ginger and a touch of honey (be sure the milk is lukewarm before adding honey) or even a little nutmeg before bedtime will enhance the quality of your slumber.
5. Because the fall season is drying, skin that is neglected in this season tends to wrinkle and age faster. Give your body a daily massage with Organic Sesame Oil and support facial skin with the lipids and healing properties found in vitamin C and the B-complex will help to stop the aging process. With the rich body of the natural organic products and the usage of healing herbs and vitamins you will be able to pamper your skin and keep it soft and subtle during the fall and the winter.
6. Imbalances in the fall can cause an increase in restlessness, anxious feelings and day-to-day mental stress. Making time for light yoga exercises, a brisk walk in nature and meditation will help combat those stresses. To calm the mind and emotions, connect with nature by taking short walks outdoors, weather permitting and find time to be quiet for a few minutes each day. If you can try to meditate for 15-30 minutes each day that’s great however if you can only get 5 minutes in that is perfect too. By doing these vitality enhancing things you will not only support your natural resistance to emotional stress and fatigue but you will be aiding your body to increase its immunity.
Happy Fall!
Wishing you much health and wellness!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
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