Your Body Rhythm
I don’t know about you, but I can tell the minute we start getting closer to turning the clocks back an hour. My body rhythm tells me. I’m an early riser and typically bounce out of bed by 6 without thinking twice, then easily jump into my daily routine, however a few weeks ago it was a little difficult getting up, although nothing had changed. I went to bed the same time, awoke the same time, but I was craving a little more time under the covers. I also had less energy. It was obvious to me summer was nearing an end and we were heading into Fall. It takes a minute to wrap your head around this when it is 90 degrees out, but despite our warm weather you can tell Fall has arrived.
Body Rhythm
This all led me to start thinking about our bodies adjusting to the seasons and our circadian rhythm. You’ve all heard of the winter blues right? First of all, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing and it can start in the Fall because the time changes, there is less sunlight, shorter days, and cooler temps creep in. You may feel sluggish, moody, gloomy, lack energy, or find yourself eating more. If you aren’t sure if SAD is impacting you, keep a journal for a few weeks and get curious.
At the very least, I wanted to inspire you to start paying attention now to how the change in season is showing up in your life. Especially given all the other factors in the world right now contributing to our stress. A few minor adjustments in our thoughts and habits can dramatically impact our experiences.
You know I’m all about the huge rewards of small changes ;o).
Tips
* Vitamin D3 – did you know that Vitamin D levels can be checked by a simple blood test – ask your Doctor about It! Also…
- Due to its effects on hormones in the body, it’s thought to affect your mood by improving your sense of well-being.
- Vitamin D can be highly effective in high doses such as 1000-5000 IU for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If the sun is shining grab those rays outside for 15-20 minutes.
- There is also light therapy – as little as 15 minutes of light therapy treats the cause of SAD—lack of light—without any side effects.
- * Take time to rest – It’s OK! Go to bed early, or sleep in a little later. Just Say NO! We may not have the same holiday commitments this year due to Covid, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t saying yes to others and neglecting ourselves.
- * Let It go! What feeling, thought, task or situation is it time to let go of?
- * Indulge your senses. Something about baking in the fall and the smell throughout the house that warms the soul. Slow cooker meals or Indulging In soups or stews or curries are also comforting on cold winter days. If time is an issue, order food delivery.
- * Stay Connected. Video calls, social distanced time together, online networking or events, are all great ways to stay connected. Phone a friend – if you are feeling * Learn something new. Singing, painting, knitting, journaling, cooking, learning a language, or write a blog.
Other Ideas
* Laugh – Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, trigger endorphins, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Laughing with others is even more powerful than laughing alone.
- * Hot tubs – if you have access to a hot tub or jacuzzi they are great for stimulating blood flow and helping you relax.
- * Get Moving – Dancing, yoga, indoor cycling, the gym, walking, sex – just some things that get you sweaty. Remember, it only takes 20 minutes a day and It’s good for our health and mood. Everything is online at your fingertips, and many gyms offer online and outdoor classes now.
- * Learn something new – Sing, paint, knit, journal, cook, learn a language, or write a blog.
- * Liven up your wardrobe – get some great looking, vibrant, fall clothes to spice up your wardrobe.
- * Enhance your morning routine – drink water, meditate, start your day with affirmations, take a brisk walk.
- * Eat healthy – pay attention to your diet and your relationship with food. Are you eating out of boredom or depression? Stress increases cortisol and can make losing weight difficult – especially around the mid section.
- You CAN do this! Even during Covid we can live with intention, control how we show up in the world, and take care of our health and wellbeing. Self-care could not be more important than it is today. Be inspired and breeze through the seasonal shift!
With Love & Gratitude,
Jeanette
