Your guide for autumn reset

Fall brings a change you may feel. The air is cooler, the days are shorter and it all starts to move a little differently.

For many, however, autumn has always felt busy. The calendar fills and expectations accumulate. But this season can be something else, a reset, a return to yourself, a chance to feel more anchored.

We spoke with the clinical pharmacist, Dr. Christina Madison and the Nedra Glover Tawwab therapist, a successful author of the New York Times, to explore how to navigate this season with easier and clarity.

Quiet Mornings

Imagine a morning that does not start with a screen. The blinds are cracked just enough to let the light enter. There is a hot drink in your hands, and nowhere should you be.

“Honoring rest without guilt means recognizing that productivity is not only measured by constant action,” said Nedra Tawwab. “It is also our ability to recharge and think.”

She encourages people to listen to their natural inclination to slow down, especially when they feel dilapidated or overworked. “Give us permission to take a break, savor calm moments and trust that rest is an essential element of growth,” she said.

The DRE Christina Madison should that fall is the right time to check. “Shorter days and quieter weekends can be an excellent opportunity to check both your mental and physical health,” she said. “Consider continuing conscious activities that can help manage stress and spend the time when you are unable to go out or see friends and family as much, such as reading, cooking, yoga or journalization.”

Well-being movement

The movement in the fall should not be intense. This can be restful. You can make your movement meet you. Stretch in the living room. Dance during dinner. Take a walk in a park with leaves that crampled under your feet.

“While the coldest months are approaching, one of the first healthy habits that people often vacillate is their training routines,” said Dr. Madison. “It is easy to feel lazy about our physical form when temperatures start to drop and the days are shorter, but the key is to stay above and make the movement pleasant.”

It recommends options of inner movement, such as yoga or walking, to keep your body active without facing the cold. “The displacement of your body is not only good for your physical health, but also your mental health,” she said.

Tawwab adds that rest is not a sign of weakness. “We have to stretch the support of friends of trust, family, therapist or even a primary care doctor to talk about what we feel,” she said. “Above all, we must remember that it is normal to move at our own pace.”

If you feel unusually tired or exhausted, it may be useful to consult a health care provider. Remember that your physical, mental and emotional health is all connected.

Eat what supports you

Yes, nutrients count. But what matters so much is the way they show up in the meals that support you.

Dr. Madison recommends looking at seasonal vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables. “They are filled with nutrients that naturally support your overall health,” she said.

If you are considering new supplements or you have changes in your energy levels, it’s a good idea to consult your health care provider. Fall can be a time when surfacing underlying problems, and the first conversations can help you feel more informed and prepared.

This is not only what is in the dish, but how it supports you. This could mean adding grains such as brown rice, oats or quinoa to your meals. Try cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots or squash. Green leafy vegetables, such as those with lemon or vinegar, can support digestion. Garlic, turmeric and olive oil also offer advantages, especially when associated with something hot and filling. These ingredients can work together to support energy, mood and immunity.

Hydration is essential in the fall, but it can manifest itself differently than in summer. In addition to water, try hot drinks that support digestion and traffic. Herbal teas, such as ginger, cinnamon or nettle, can be soothing. Bouillons made from vegetables, bone or mushrooms offer minerals and heat. Slowly sips can help calm the nervous system and support intestinal health.

It’s about eating in a way that does you good this season.

Raise your space

It’s the season to soften your space. Think of hot lighting, comfortable textures and perfumes that evoke a feeling of calm.

“To stay anchored in the fall, I recommend creating a space in your home or office that feels calm and comfortable,” said Dr. Madison. “Your house should be your sanctuary.”

It suggests comfortable lighting, relaxing candles or oil diffusers, and even the creation of a reading corner. “Many studies have shown that when your space is more congested, it can have a direct impact on your mood and your productivity,” she said.

Try superimposing blankets, getting to warmer bulbs or placing a favorite book at hand. Even small changes can change the energy of a room.

Protect your peace

Life does not slow down simply because the season changes. This is when the limits count the most.

“During the fall, animals hibernate to recover and restore their energy,” said Tawwab. “Perhaps we can take inspiration from nature and practice wisdom as to how we use our energy during the fall months.”

She recommends set limits during working hours, say no to additional commitments and to prioritize physical health. “Borders concerning technology and social obligations are important for us when it comes to ensuring that we have time to recharge after a busy day or week,” she said.

For those who sail on sorrow or emotional fatigue, Tawwab suggests simple earthmoving practices. “Try to go out to breathe fresh air, walk, or even open blinds to consume as much natural light as possible.”

Let it go, let it in

Fall can be an outing season. Nedra Tawwab encourages us to abandon the pressure to perform and kiss who we are. “Let go of the expectations you have about how you” should “appear,” she encourages. “Instead, kiss who you are during this season.”

The connection may be different at the moment, but it still counts. “We are the stewards of our mental, physical and emotional health, and we are more empowered than we think.”

With intention and grace, this season can be softer, more honest and more yours.

Resources:

The Public Health Pharmacist

Nedra Tawwab