There’s so much to love about fall, but did you know there’s also so much going on inside our bodies? Our bodies are wise, and with the loss of daylight and the looming cold, they become very busy this time of year.
The change of season from summer to fall in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) signals to our bodies that it’s time to prepare for winter and get ready to process all of the junk that no longer serves us. It’s a time to strengthen your vital life force energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “CHEE”), and to balance the Yin and Yang energies of the body.
This often comes out in the form of some deep feelings and, if you are prepared, some deep emotional release.
So don’t be surprised if you start feeling some heavy things, like grief, sadness, and general melancholy in the fall. It’s normal! Not only that, but it’s healthy. Don’t resist it. Here are some tips as to how you can balance your emotions this fall and strengthen your Qi.
How to Stay Emotionally Healthy During Fall
To stay emotionally healthy during the fall season, you can follow these traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) tips:
1. Embrace the energy of fall: Fall is a time of letting go and releasing what no longer serves you. Just as trees shed their leaves, it’s a good time to let go of emotional baggage or negative thoughts. Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment.
2. Nourish your Lung and Large Intestine: In TCM, these organs are associated with grief and sadness, and need the most support in the fall. To support them, consume foods that are moistening and beneficial for the respiratory system, such as pears, apples, ginger, garlic, and honey. Avoid excessive consumption of dry or spicy foods.
(I have a 6-week course that guides you through all of this, and you can learn more about it here.)
3. Stay hydrated: Dryness is a common imbalance during fall. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or warm soups to keep your body hydrated and counteract dryness.
4. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Fall is a time when the energy starts to turn inward. Ensure you get enough restful sleep during this season to support your overall well-being.
5. Engage in gentle exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, Qigong, or tai chi, can help balance your emotions and support the Lung and Large Intestine organs. These exercises promote deep breathing, which is beneficial for the respiratory system.
6. Practice self-care: Take time for self-care activities that nourish your body and mind. This may include taking warm baths, practicing meditation, engaging in creative activities, or spending time in nature.
7. Protect yourself from wind and cold: During fall, the weather becomes cooler and windier. Protect yourself by dressing appropriately, wearing warm clothing, and avoiding exposure to drafts or cold temperatures.
The Takeaway…
If you follow the above tips this season, remembering to allow yourself to feel any strong emotions that come up for you so that you can process and release them (just like the trees this time of year), you will keep yourself balanced this fall. And a balanced “you” means more time for enjoyment of all the beauty and abundance this season has to offer.
And if you’d love some support, sign up for my 6-week course called Strengthen Your Qi This Fall. I’ll be guiding you through exercises and providing seasonal and healthy recipes and support for you throughout the course.
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