8 Ways to Maintain Wellness in Autumn

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes cooler air, golden sunsets, brilliant fall foliage and shorter days. With less daylight and more seasonal gatherings, it can sometimes feel like there isn’t enough time for ourselves. But this is when we need to be especially mindful about making self-care rituals a top priority. During the seasonal transition into fall, our herbalists recommend getting grounded with seasonal foods and practices to prepare our minds and bodies for the colder months ahead. Here are eight fun and simple ways to maintain wellness during this autumn season.

1. Stay rooted in your purpose. As the temperatures drop and the plants lose foliage, their energy returns to the root. People, like plants, can thrive during the autumn months by focusing on our root purpose. It’s a time to step back and think about what truly brings value to our life, express gratitude for your blessings, and consider setting some intentions for what you need. That way, once spring comes along, we are ready to blossom.

2. Nourish with seasonal foods, spices and medicinal herbs. This is the time to warm our bodies with immune supporting broths and soups, and grounding vegetables like roasted squash, roots and sautéed dark leafy greens. And some of our favorite seasonal plant allies, like turmeric and ginger, may already be in your pantry in the form of ground spices or teas. Use these fall darlings to make your own spice blends, a nourishing Pumpkin Spice Golden Milk, or a hot cup of our Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger tea.

3. Stay in tune with nature. Mother Nature provides all the cues we need, particularly during the transition from summer to fall. Consider creating celebrations or rituals around the fall equinox, rake up piles of leaves to jump in, or if you live in a mild climate, plant a winter garden.

4. Embrace healthy fats like grass fed butter, coconut oil, olive oil and sesame seed oil. Inside and out, studies show that healthy fats are a must for our bodies to promote cardiovascular health and keep our bodies nourished. Whether you add some coconut oil to your oatmeal, add ghee to your morning coffee, or massage your body with sesame oil, it is especially important to keep your body fed and moisturized with healthy fats.

5. Practice relaxation techniques. After busy springs and summers, our bodies are naturally slowing down. With less activity and more hours spent indoors, learning to manage stress helps us avoid cabin fever by going within to find peace and purpose. Make a habit of bringing calm, soothing energy to your day, such as running a hot herbal bath, practicing meditation, or brewing a relaxing cup of Stress Ease® Cinnamon tea.

6. Stay active, and enjoy the season. Inactivity from being inside over the cooler months causes stagnation of the lymphatic system, slows down our circulation and metabolism, and weakens our immune system. Whether you choose apple picking, yoga in the park or a hike to see fall’s showy colors, make sure you keep your body moving, while taking full advantage of the beautiful outdoors before winter’s arrival.

7. Boost your immune system. As part of your self-care practice this fall, our herbalists recommend boosting our immune systems with immune-supporting foods like reishi mushrooms for gentle daily support or our Echinacea Plus® tea when your immune system needs support for those challenging winter situations like a plane ride home for Thanksgiving.

8. Sleep with the natural cycles. It is no accident that the days are shortening. As plants shed their leaves and animals hunt and gather in preparation for winter, it’s clear that nature is signaling us to nourish ourselves, slow down, and get some quality sleep. By incorporating herbs like passionflower and valerian into your sleep hygiene practices, you can not only improve the quality of your sleep, but also that of your waking hours. Consider trying our Nighty Night® tea or our Nighty Night® Valerian tea to relieve occasional sleeplessness and help you get a good night’s sleep.*

‘Tis the season to reflect and take care of yourself! We hope these tips help you maintain wellness so you can fully enjoy the full beauty of autumn.