Fall Care
This morning I was out walking in the crisp, fresh air and I couldn't help but notice that the earth (at least in this area) is in a state of transition. Most obvious: the air is colder and lacks humidity. There aren't as many bird songs. Some trees are still green, others have changed to beautiful hues of gold and orange, and many have shed their leaves completely. The ground is harder, and the color of the sky is different. The earth is preparing for winter.
The on
set of winter affects us as well, and we need to care for ourselves accordingly. Cold weather and lack of humidity can make us feel more stiff and achey, so it's very important to increase hydration and circulation from the inside out. How do we do this?
1. Move. Practice yoga, take a brisk walk, put on some music and dance. . . whatever gets you out of your chair. Moving the body will increase circulation, lubrication, and flow of nutrients throughout the body that will create ease of movement and good health. It will also help fend off seasonal depression and stress. Yoga is particularly good, as the various movements create a "squeezing and soaking" effect the nourishes our bodies on a cellular level. Here's the deal: The less you move, the less you will be able to move, so resist the urge to hibernate.
2. Massage. When you wake up in the morning, massage your face to increase circulation and improve the health of your skin. Before showering, brush the skin on your body with a dry bath brush to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase circulation and energy, or use a brush or loofah in the shower. (Don't do this every day if you have sensitive skin. Speaking of sensitive skin, avoid harsh or drying soaps and look for more gentle products with shea butter or olive oil. Cetaphil is very gentle too.) Treat yourself to a professional massage or use a foam roller, tennis balls, or Yamuna balls to massage your own body. Massage increases circulation, hydration, and helps to keep muscles and connective tissue soft and pliable.
3. Hydrate. Keep nasal passages moist by practicing Neti. Drink lots of fluids. Room-temperature water, hot water with lemon and honey, and herbal teas will keep you warm and hydrated. Avoid sodas, and practice moderation with alcohol and caffeine which can be dehydrating. Consider using a humidifier in your room at night to keep your nasal passages, throat, and skin moist, and use gentle creams or oils on your skin to keep moisture in.
4. Nourish. Eating warm soups, stews, and rice dishes made with fresh vegetables will be warm, comforting, and easy on your digestive system. Juicing fresh vegetables and fruits is an easy way to pack in lots of nutrients and hydrate yourself at the same time.
5. Bundle up. Wear layers to keep chills away. Warm feet, hands, and a warm head will help the body retain heat, so don't forget to wear warm socks, gloves, and a hat when you're outdoors.
Namaste!
Sandy Pradas
p.s. If you'd like to spend a week in a warm jungle practicing yoga, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or laying around in a hammock, we 2 rooms left for our January 17 retreat in Costa Rica. For details, click here.