How to stay balanced during autumn

Seasonal changes always take some getting used to, but one that is extra challenging every year is the transition from summer to fall. The temperature drops, the sun disappears, and the rain and wind take over, and this of course affects us. With these tips you will make the transition smoother and give your body what it needs.

Change is constant, so the best option is to move with it. Likewise with the changing seasons, you can adjust your diet and lifestyle (sports and sleeping routines) to what serves you (body and mind). In the autumn, complaints such as chapped skin, colds, lower back pain, restlessness, and anxiety can arise. With stability, rest, warmth, and softness you can reduce these complaints. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian traditional medicine, has many useful tips for this.

Eat hot and spicy

It is better to skip raw and dry foods, such as salads and crackers from now on. Instead, eat fresh, warm, and grounding meals such as soups, stews, or warm, nourishing bowls. Choose foods that are sweet, like pumpkin, sweet potato, yellow lentils, rice, apples, pears, and plums. Eat enough good fats, such as avocado, nuts (butter), seeds and oil, which is beneficial for your digestive system. Use warming spices, such as cinnamon, fennel, anise, nutmeg, cumin, cardamom, licorice root, cloves, and fresh ginger. Also opt for hot drinks, such as herbal tea, chai latte or turmeric latte and limit your coffee intake as this is intense for your nervous system.

Routine

This season, calm and stability is your best friend. Make room for relaxation during the day, move slowly and breathe consciously. Due to the prevailing wind you want to bring balance by slowing down your pace. Choose walking instead of running and yoga instead of HIIT training. Get up at set times and go to bed at a set time and sleep at least 8 hours a night. Create a nice evening routine, turn off electronics on time, limit or dim artificial light and light a candle, read a book, write down some thoughts in a journal or meditate. Whatever feels good for you!

Self-care

Be kind to your body! Take a bath or put a hot water bottle where you need it on your body. Dress extra warmly when you go outside, wear a hat or hat to protect your head from the harsh wind. Sesame oil protects the skin from dehydration and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Massage your body with sesame oil, let it soak in for a while and then take a warm shower. You will notice the difference!

And last but not least, don't forget to enjoy this cosy season!