Holistic Ways to Prepare for Fall

Winter is coming. We are in the throes of a beautiful fall and all is in a state of transition. We celebrate that fall is a beautiful time in our region when the foliage puts on a show, Virginia’s oppressive summer humidity lifts, and fun cultural activities are in full swing. As we’ve discussed before on the blog, the change of seasons can be difficult on our bodies, moods, and general well-being. You may find your Instagram-worthy fall day joy disrupted by seasonal allergies, however, and the arrival of S.A.D. (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder). Look at these shifts as lovely indicators of how we are connected to nature’s rhythms. But as with any life changes, it helps to prepare ourselves well. Holistic fall prep also helps us prepare for winter and nesting season. There are many ways to arm yourself for the season ahead so you can enjoy it and continue to work, live, and play well.

Read on for some common ways that fall can be challenging and tips on how to navigate the transition.

1. Make the most of seasonal foods and dishes. There are many reasons that eating what’s local and thus, typically in season, is what’s best for your body. Fall’s bounty also gives your body the nutritional boost it craves this time of year. Foods such as squash, carrots, and apples are officially in season. Apples are full of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C, which is beneficial to your skin, eye, and hair health. Sweet potatoes and squashes are rich in beta-carotene, and a fall favorite, acorn squash, is a rich source of fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin C. Time to roast your favorite root vegetable medley! 

2. Up your mood-boosting supplement intake. Fall is a great time to introduce vitamin D3, probiotics, and Elderberry for immune health, melatonin for sleep regulation and 5HTP for upping serotonin to your routine. Shorter days and less time outdoors is linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). It’s normal to feel a little blue as your system adjusts to the season and less sunlight. Irwin Naturals’ Sunny Mood with or without CBD is a great fall/winter supplement. However, for many people, S.A.D. can mean serious depression. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of S.A.D. and to speak with your doctor if it feels debilitating.

3. Take a soothing bath. Luxuriating in a tub of warm water likely feels less appealing to you during the summer months when temperatures and humidity soar. Now that there’s a chill in the air, warm, therapeutic baths are officially in. Olba’s aromatic baths are great if you have the sniffles.  We’ve written before about the many benefits of soaking in detoxifying, relaxing salts. Cold evenings beckon us to turn inward. So, fetch your essential oils and salts, draw a bath, and let your nervous system relax. We also have CBD salt baths that are extra relaxing.  These will also help with any fall activity muscle soreness and lead to a better night’s sleep. P.S. This may help you cope with any anxiety that may come up due to busy back to school schedules and general seasonal anxieties. Keep that cozy warm feeling with a microwaveable body, back and shoulder wraps.

4. Prepare yourself for fall allergies and illnesses. We’ve written before about ways to treat and prevent allergies. If you find yourself feeling stuffy and sluggish, examine whether it’s sickness or allergies. Ragweed can be a major trigger, as are certain molds from the accumulating falling leaves. Quercetin, Nettles, Andrographis, local Raw Honey, and hot herbal teas are all excellent options. Bluebonnet’s Wellness Support capsules help with the duo suffering of allergies and a seasonal cold.  Source Naturals’ Wellness Formula or Host Defense Stamets 7 mushroom supplements are helpful daily support in addition to your favorite multi during this tricky immune season. Boiron’s Oscillo or Umcka’s Cold & Flu are good to have on hand just in case a fall/winter bug tries to take you down.

5. Incorporate more warm, nourishing foods and beverages. In the Indian science of Ayurveda, fall is associated with Vata, a dry, rougher element associated with wind and movement. Oftentimes the winds pick up this time of year, we see movement with the leaves dropping and the decay of summer’s brightness. It helps to ground and soothe yourself with warm foods and beverages. Holistic fall prep can involve drinking hot, organic herbal teas, Golden Milk, new Pukka organic lattes, Morris Orchards VA made apple cider or adding a Danodan’s Hemp Flower CBD shot to your favorite beverage are great ways to nourish your system with healing drinks. It’s also a good time of year to introduce soups, bone broths, oatmeal, and other warm foods that you may have skipped in the summer months.

6. Hydrate! Believe it or not, we tend to become more dehydrated in the colder months. Our urination tends to increase (yep) and our thirst response diminishes. Many people also experience feeling dry and stuffy as their bodies adjust to radiators and other heating systems. Saline and/or Restore nasal sprays can be helpful for dry nasal passages and supporting upper respiratory health. Adding essential fatty acids like fish oil or ceramide supplements can help with extra dry skin in addition to using a really moisturizing olive oil soap and healing body lotion like Shikai’s borage oil lotion.  Soothing, healing natural lip balms, foot creams, hand lotions, lubricants, and eye drops are also supportive of your dry body parts.

Holistic fall prep doesn’t have to be difficult. Come see us at Rebecca’s to prepare yourself for fall’s transitions!