Embracing the change: How to move into Fall

Fall is a season of transition. You see this all around you in nature —the leaves fall, the air becomes crisp, and a harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables arrives.

Even if you love the change to the fall season (like me)….

this transition can leave you feeling…out of sorts. Mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Keeping reading to learn

• How the transition to fall can affect us

• What vital energy is

• Tips to ease into fall

A season of change

As the long, warm summer days slowly shorten and move into fall we face many changes.

• Kids are back to school

• The media starts hyping up the cold and flu season

• The busy summer activities turn to busy fall activities

• Weather changes to cooler evenings and mornings

• The wind picks up for some climates

• Nights become longer

• We start seeing Halloween (sometimes even Christmas) items in stores

The transition from summer to fall is an especially marked one. The trees change colors and lose their leaves. Migratory birds start heading south. And animals are clearly prepping for winter.

Us humans also feel this change. You may feel scattered, drained, or uncentered. Or maybe you find that your sleep is affected.

Autumn can affect everything from health and mood to energy levels and your natural circadian rhythms. This is why it’s essential to support your vital energy during this transition.

What is vital energy? 

The kids in the pic below seem to definitely have it!

Vital energy is the life force that animates the body. It goes by different names (1).

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine it’s referred to as “Qi” (Chi).

• In ancient Indian traditions, it’s called “prana”.

• In Japan, this energy is referred to as “Ki”.

Sometimes it’s referred to as your “vitality.” Vital energy shows itself in the shine and clarity of your eyes, the radiance of your skin, and the spring in your step. It’s when your mind, body, and spirit are more in tune with each other. It’s also seen in the overall joy and satisfaction of life.

How do we support this vital energy?

• Getting regular, sufficient sleep.

• Eating in a way that feels right and nourishing to ourselves.

• Supporting our digestion.

• Letting go of what we don’t need.

We also need to be aware of our minds. It helps to support inner calm and peace and an easy flow of emotions.

The transition to fall can, frankly, mess with our vital energy. The tips below can help nourish it.

Tips to ease into Fall

The following tips are ones that can help nourish your vital energy as we transition away from summer and into fall.

Stay ahead of the cold

As the weather changes keeping our bodies warm can help.

• Dress in layers wherever you go. As the weather changes you’ll be prepared to keep your body warm.

• Drink warm liquids. Make herbal tea. Try out the Golden Milk recipe.

• Trade in that cold salad for roasted veggies. Root veggies are abundant this time of year.

• Make stews.

• Using warming spices, such as cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon in your cooking. Apple crisp, anyone?

Embrace the down times

Tiredness is often a sign that we need rest, so why fight it? It’s a sign to give your body, mind, and spirit what it needs to get you through this seasonal change.

• If you’re feeling tired, take a nap. (I’m a huge fan of naps!)

• Take a bath. Add epsom salts to it.

• Practice self-massage, abhyanga (go here for a how-to video). It calms the nerves and increases circulation

• Cozy up with a book or magazine.

Keep yourself grounded

This transitional time can leave us feeling frazzled and unsteady. That’s why it’s essential to keep yourself grounded and in touch with your body and the nature that surrounds you.

• Go for a walk in nature

• Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time every morning.

• Massage lotion into your feet – they are your connection to Earth

• Diffuse essential oils. Good ones that can help us feel nourished and grounded include

  • vetiver

  • cedarwood

  • cardamom

  • sandalwood

  • ginger

Stay centered throughout the fall by paying attention to the signs in your body and mind.

If your sleep is not great, check out this article on tips for sleep!

How do you feel as the season changes to Fall? Comment below!

Source:

1. Manasa, B M & Jois, Srikanth & Prasad, K.. (2020). Prana – The Vital Energy in Different Cultures: Review on Knowledge and Practice. Journal of Natural Remedies. 20. 128.