Autumn HealthSummer is all about the chill factor - rest, unwind, watch the waves, have fun ... We get away with the extras because we have extra sunlight, downtime, and fresh foods. For most of us, whether we have school-aged kids or not, the fall is a nice return to routine. Now, we need to have honest conversations about how we will rebuild your health. It's been a long time of immune suppression, stress, binging...
We can often power through when we need to, followed by a crash, but powering through requires a solid base from which can can pull, a stockpile of resources - just like the squirrels are building right now. Nature gives us clues on what to do, and this is the period of time we are in right now. Changes in season are the best opportunity to set the stage for the time to come.
When you are looking to establish new routines, there are several things to consider. Here's a past article I wrote about preparing for the fall, many of these same concepts are applicable now.
I have been pretty sad to see this summer wind down, but look forward to creating health this fall.
Here are a few easy recipes for some inspiration :)
Creamy Rainbow Coleslaw
Brownie Batter Protein Balls
Golden Turmeric Latte
Beef and Bean Minestrone Soup
See you soon,
Dr. Christa
Rest. Eat well. Move everyday. Go into nature. Connect. Find joy.
We can often power through when we need to, followed by a crash, but powering through requires a solid base from which can can pull, a stockpile of resources - just like the squirrels are building right now. Nature gives us clues on what to do, and this is the period of time we are in right now. Changes in season are the best opportunity to set the stage for the time to come.
When you are looking to establish new routines, there are several things to consider. Here's a past article I wrote about preparing for the fall, many of these same concepts are applicable now.
- Sleep - the body loves routine, and establishing a sleep schedule is part of that pattern
- you know how you function best, and for most people it's between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night - Eat - as the weather changes we need more warming foods like garlic, cinnamon and soups
- there are still lots of fresh foods in season to take advantage of: peaches, tomatoes, and soon apples and squash - Move - make it a goal to move in some way every day for your mental and physical well-being
- the soon to occur fall colours will be amazing to enjoy, but there are many opportunities for movement. It's also good to plan how you will continue being active through the winter - will it be yoga classes, home gyms, swimming, skiing or outdoor hikes? - Know yourself
- are you someone that needs a reset to get started? (fall detox group to come soon), are you someone that gets sick every October? (time to discuss ways to support the immune system now), do you get overwhelmed or sad in November? (build some stress management or joyful habits now) - Get some updated bloodwork
- I've found it's been a few years since most people have had regular bloodwork. You can have it done with your family doctor's office, or I can order it for you (not covered by OHIP through me... the typical screening tests like blood sugar, cholesterol, liver enzymes, and complete blood count will generally cost about $100). This is a good opportunity to catch things before they become a more challenging obstacle to health.
I have been pretty sad to see this summer wind down, but look forward to creating health this fall.
Here are a few easy recipes for some inspiration :)
Creamy Rainbow Coleslaw
Brownie Batter Protein Balls
Golden Turmeric Latte
Beef and Bean Minestrone Soup
See you soon,
Dr. Christa
Rest. Eat well. Move everyday. Go into nature. Connect. Find joy.
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