September Wellness Tips
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
This is a month of transition, as summer comes to an end and autumn takes over- the fall equinox takes place on September 23rd in the northern hemisphere. This transition can be challenging for some people as the temperature fluctuates from chilly mornings to hot afternoons and cool one day to hot the next.
As the month passes you will notice the leaves are starting to turn and there is a slight chill with the breeze.
As school starts up again and work is back in full swing, this month can really shake up the routine for the whole family.
When things outside the body are changing it is recommended to keep things simple within the body. That is why it’s important to have the right routine that keeps you grounded and stable.
However, not even the best routine can overcome a virus if the system is unhealthy. Keep you and your family well this season by shifting a few habits to promote optimal wellness.
Continue reading to learn more specific tips for detoxifying and nourishing the body, mind and soul. Along with practical ways to build ojas, the Sanskrit term for immunity, strength and resilience.
In the Mind
September can be a tricky month for some people. Shifting schedules and increased responsibilities can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and fatigue.
Combined with the crispness of the Autumn air, the mind and body can really get thrown off during this transition period.
You may also find it harder to fall and stay asleep, along with constant thoughts whizzing around in your mind- welcome to Vata season.
One a brighter note, this time of year also invites more inspiration and creativity.
Use this to your advantage and try something you’ve been putting off. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of learning to play the guitar, or read through a novel series.
Now is the perfect time to get started, you never know, you may fall in love.
In the Body
We’ve made into the last few weeks of Summer, on September 23rd we will have the Autumn Equinox marking the beginning of the season.
For this reason, September has a very specific goal.
And that is to rid the body and mind from any excess heat. When heat is held in the body during the Autumn season it can throw off the whole system and make you more susceptible to dis-ease.
How do you know if you have excess heat?
Pay attention!
This can look like symptoms such as:
acidity, loose stools, heartburn
acne, and other skin conditions
irritability, anger, frustration, intensity
Just to name a few.
Now, you may be wondering what you can do to remove the excess heat… well, you’re in the right place!
Have you ever heard of a kitchari fast?
This ancient Ayurvedic staple has been used for centuries to remove toxicity while nourishing the body from the inside, out.
Please keep in mind, this is not your average fast that leaves you feeling drained and depleted. This method allows you to detoxify excess baggage that has accumulated over the years, cleanse the tissues and also rejuvenate the whole system in order to prepare the mind and body for a healthy autumn and winter season.
A few simple ingredients combined with healing herbs and spices, that contains all the protein, carbs and fats you need to create a flavourful and nutrient-packed meal.
By eating this for a few days, you give your body the rest it needs to detoxify and refresh your system. Paired with some extra fibre to help facilitate healthy removal of the toxins- if you know what I mean, poop- your mind, body and soul will feel clear, uplifted and energized.
Photo by Aditya Saxena on Unsplash
Daily Routine
Since Vata season is underway, we must pay extra close attention to our daily habits and routine. It can become very easy to let these things fall to the wayside, then later in the year we’re wondering why we’re getting sick- it all starts now.
Here are my top 3 tips to keep Vata in check so that you can enjoy the splendours of Autumn and begin transitioning inward for the Winter ahead as the cycle continues.
No. 1- SLEEP, SLEEP and more SLEEP
One of the three pillars of health according to Ayurveda, sleep is an essential component to your well-being. Read the full blog here, 3 Habits to Live a Healthy Lifestyle.
During sleep is when the mind and body are able to remove waste and repair from a hard day’s work, this is why it’s so important that ensurer we are getting enough quantity and quality of sleep.
Insomnia tends to increase with the Autumn season. Create a before-bed routine that will help you to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
No. 2- INSULATE
Now is the time to begin preparing the mind, body and home for the Winter season. And as the temperature continues to decline, you may feel the Autumn breeze rattling your bones a little more than usual.
Increase your consumption of healthy fats to help build a healthy layer of insulation for the cold Winter months ahead- think eggs, salmon, nuts, ghee, etc.
You can also do an oil massage a couple times a week to help keep the skin supple. For this month, try using coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash
No. 3- JOURNAL
With the increased clarity that accompanies Autumn you may notice an increase in creative ideas, goals and visions for your life.
Write them down and create a plan of action.
You don’t need to begin taking action just yet- that’s what Summer’s for- but keep the vision close and begin to build a plan of attack so you are prepared when the time is right.
Food is Medicine
One of the main principles of Ayurveda is seasonal eating. It allows us to stay in rhythm with Nature and provides the necessary nutrients we need at different times of the year.
As the weather continues to decline, we can begin eating heavier meals that will keep us satisfied throughout the day.
Emphasize produce that is growing this time of year, root vegetables. These starchy carbohydrates contain the heaviness we need to keep us grounded, a well as a plethora of vitamins, minerals and fibre to keeps balanced and well.
As mentioned above, now is the time to begin building your insulating layer, healthy fats and good quality protein along with regular physical activity will help you achieve this.
Check the wellness handbook below for a complete list of ways to build immunity and resilience all month long.
September Wellness Handbook
Download these PDFs to access a complete wellness handbook containing:
Grocery list
Movement practices
Self-care practices
Recipe of the Month
Who knew 5 simple ingredients blended together could be so delicious?
This nutritious and protein-packed smoothie will have you feeling warm and satisfied all day long.
Sweet and savoury, this smoothie is the perfect option to keep you energized!
Coconut, vanilla, date smoothie!