The Autumn season is one of the busiest, and perhaps the only, time of the year that our actions often go against the natural rhythms of our bodies. While the diminishing sunlight and colder air is telling us to slow down and rest, our society and lifestyles force us speed up in the push to winter - which is extra tiring to say the least! Back to school preparations, meeting end of year targets and deadlines, weatherizing our homes, and the ramp up to the longest holiday season are just a few of the things that can overwhelm and set us up for illness.
This season in particular can really take a toll on us physically and mentally and lead to the winter/post holiday blues, sleep issues, and weight gain. As our cortisol levels rise due to stress, our melatonin levels are suppressed affecting both the duration and quality of our sleep. To combat that, it’s important to remember to take time for self care to keep our immune systems strong and our diurnal rhythm in balance. Try implementing stress reducing activities throughout the day such as:
walks during lunch
practicing resonance breathing (5 seconds in through the nose, 5 seconds out through the mouth)
listening to binaural beats
or just simply switching off by enjoying a video or podcast to give your mind a break from whatever is making you tense.
Taking time to move, breathe and laugh can go a long way towards reducing stress levels throughout the body and keeping blood sugar and hormones balanced. Having gratitude for the enjoyable parts of this time like socializing, getting things accomplished and moving forward in life can also calm your nervous system.
Consider adding extra Vitamin D, C and Zinc to your daily multivitamin routine to keep your immune system strong starting in November when cold and flu season starts, and stocking up on your favorite throat soothing herbal teas such as licorice, lemon balm, marshmallow, elderberry and echinacea when you have the first sign of illness.