As we move from summer to fall, a few things can happen: allergies, sinus trouble, fatigue and general discomfort. We’re in that “in between” time…Are these things happening to you?
Since moving to the desert, Fall is not what it used to be, but I’m learning to adapt. Here, we enjoy cooler mornings and less intense sunshine but usually without the fall colors. I do find myself more tired by the afternoon and wanting to sleep in. These are normal changes that we experience as we move into fall.
Here are 5 tips to help you move through your fall slump and on to enjoying the season:
1. Consider a nasal rinse or neti pot. I prefer NeilMed’s SinuRinse product that you can find at Costco, CVS and other drug stores. To learn more about this check out our post on NeilMed Sinurinse. With all of the allergens in the air, it’s a great practice to gently rinse your nose. I try to do mine in the morning, but have also repeated the rinse later in the day if I’ve been outside.
2. Get moving. When you’re exhausted and feeling lethargic, do what feels counter-intuitive: get up and move! Even just 15 or 20 minutes of movement will get your circulation moving, give you more energy and may entice you to keep moving. Exercise helps us with depression, anxiety along with the many other strengthening and cardiovascular benefits. Here are some ideas:
- Try Sunflowers: Stand in a wide stance. Inhale and lift your arms overhead, exhale bending the knees and hinging forward. Continue moving with your breath at a steady pace for 6-8 breaths.
- Stand tall in Chest Expansion: Standing with your feet hip width apart, draw your arms behind you and lift your sternum and chest. Continue to draw your shoulders down and shoulder blades toward one another. Hold the pose for 4 breaths.
- Build strength with Flowing Chair: Standing in Mountain Pose (feet hip width apart), inhale and lift arms overhead. Exhale and lower arms to shoulder height and bend your knees sitting back into your hips. Continue this movement for 4-6 breaths, making sure your knees stay over your ankles when you bend into chair.
3. Take time to breathe. Set aside 5 minutes each day to be still and breathe. I know, it sounds silly but we don’t take time for this…just to tune into our breath and be still and silent. Give it a try and tell me how it goes…
4. Get outside and enjoy the beauty. Whether a cold winter is coming your way or not, Fall can be so beautiful…take time to enjoy a walk or bike ride on your own or with someone you love. (Maybe practice #3 outside — multitasking…) We’ve got a hike near our house that’s a great way to enjoy the morning.
5. Listen to your body and honor what it’s telling you. If your body needs more rest and downtime, honor that. Go, go, go isn’t sustainable… Give yourself a break and learn to move in your body’s natural rhythms. If you have more energy in the morning, use that time to get things done and schedule in a nap in the afternoon… do what works for you.
6. Explore the foods of the season. Besides a Pumpkin Spice Latte, try to incorporate more root vegetables, squashes and pumpkin into your weekly meals. Get out that slow cooker for some healthy comfort food.
