What autumn brings

Fall us upon us, and as we transition into the season I'm noticing more clients coming in with colds and heightened levels of anxiety. This gets me thinking about the affects of seasons on health, and ways to maintain our health by "working with" the seasonal changes. One reason that anxiety might be elevated has to do with pace and exercise. Summer in the Northwest is a precious, celebrated time. The days are long and there are endless opportunities to explore and connect with nature. This provides a grounding effect, and as we exercise our bodies and engage in regular movement, we release stuck and stagnant energy that has accumulated from the previous winter. Our thoughts are reflected outward. When fall arrives, our bodies slow down and our minds speed up. We return to school and work and the general focus becomes inward. Momentum slows. We set our sights toward the coming holiday season and may get into a forward-focused mental pattern which often leads to feelings of anxiety, which then do not have a chance of being released as easily by our more sedentary lifestyle. It then becomes important to embrace what this time of year has to offer, while recognizing how we can keep ourselves physically and mentally balanced. Maintain a regular exercise routine, even if it means simply walking around your neighborhood. Keep your qi moving. If your thoughts have become more reflective, give your mind a break, daily meditations are simple, free and effective! Breathe in the cool autumn air and stay warm and wrapped up when outside. The immune system is adjusting as well. The Lung and Large intestine, or metal organs, are more engaged. We can nourish and support our defensive qi with warm fluids and foods, cook with warming spices, and take warm baths. The days are getting shorter and as our minds turn inward to reflect, so do our activities. Your body might need more sleep, more quiet time alone. It is important to recognize that seasonal changes require physical adaptations. The fluctuating changes in temperature make us vulnerable to colds/flu. To keep your immune system strong it is important to get plenty of rest, take a daily multi-vitamin, and keep your stress level from getting to high!