5 Ways to Stay Healthy this Fall

The rains and cool temperatures have officially returned to Vancouver Island. The changing seasons can bring about some vulnerabilities in our health, so it’s important to consider how best to support yourself and your loved ones during this time. Now is the time to prioritize your wellbeing, and thankfully there are a number of easy ways to support your body + mind during this season:

Tips for a Healthy Transition to Fall

1. Warm up your Food: The cooler temperatures can wreak havoc on our warm digestive systems. To counteract the seasonal temperatures, be sure to incorporate more soups, stews, and warm cooked foods. It’s time to shelf those cold salads and smoothies for a little while!
   
   Incorporating warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and clove to a meal is an easy way to warm up our bodies.
   
   

2. Harvest your Knowledge: Autumn is the time to harvest all that you’ve grown + accomplished throughout the busy Summer season. Take some time to reflect on any lessons you learned in the past few months, and outline any goals you have for the remainder of the year. Just as we harvest our beautiful produce from our gardens, we must also harvest the incredible knowledge we have cultivated in ourselves.
   
   Reflection journal prompt: What are three experiences from this summer that brought me joy? What is something new that I learned this summer?
   
   

3. Keep your Neck Warm: It’s officially scarf season! In Chinese Medicine, the back of the neck is called the “Wind Gate” and is particularly vulnerable to cold. Be sure to bundle up with your favourite cozy scarf whenever you venture into the cold.
   
   Scarves are a fantastic way to bring a little colour back into the grey days of Autumn. Be bold this season, and choose a scarf that keeps you warm AND brings a colourful smile to your face.
   
   

4. Intentional Breathing for Lung Support: The incoming cold temperatures can be particularly taxing on our delicate lungs. So, Autumn is a great time to incorporate gentle breathing meditation into your daily schedule. Not only with these exercises strengthen your respiratory system, they will also support your nervous system and ease stress and anxiety.
   
   Try the “Double Inhale, Single Exhale” breathing exercise. Inhale for 3 counts, pause, and inhale again for 2 counts. Then, exhale for 5 counts. This double inhale breathing exercise imitates natural breathing while sleeping, and is a great way to relax your body and mind.
   
   

5. Acupuncture: Book in for a seasonal acupuncture tune up appointment to make sure your systems are supported during this time.
   
   Check out the Self Defense Acupuncture session to support your immune system, and make sure you stay healthy all season long!