10 Self-Care Tips This Fall

Fall reminds us that it is time to slow down and rest.

Get yourself ready to dig in and prepare for the winter.

Fall is a great time to take stock of your year. How did you do? How did you do with health, work, relationships, parenting?

It’s a great time to let go and make room for anew.

What can be celebrated?

What can be negotiated and improved upon?

Fall is a rich time and a reflective time. We look at fall as going into a yin cycle. A resting cycle.

It is common to feel a little more lethargic and feel like you need more rest. You may be finding yourself out of balance. 

Here are some things you can do to practice self-care this Fall.

1. Eat warm foods:

Try some soups, stews and warm meals. Try this Red Curry Butternut Squash Soup. When the weather cools down your body is wanting foods that can warm yourself up. Consider using root vegetables like squash, potatoes, carrots. Warm up your body from the inside out.

2. Bake breads

Baking can be very therapeutic and give you a sense of accomplishment. It can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

3. Take naps, short or long

Your body wants to naturally slow down and be “ready for hibernation” in the Fall. Listen to it and get in some extra naps. Whether it be a long mid-day nap or a power nap, your body will tell you what it needs.

4. Walk in nature, or your neighborhood

Spending some time outside each day and moving will help you find balance and improve your mindset. Connecting with nature helps you soak in some Vitamin D and fresh air can improve your mental health.

5. Put electronics outside your bedroom

You may find yourself saying “wait how will I set my alarm” —  buy an old fashioned alarm clock. Scrolling through social media before bed can relate to insomnia.

6. Take a bath in the bathtub you never use

You can take the time for yourself and relax in a bubble bath. Put on some soft spa music and just take some overdue “me time”.

7. Connect with a family member you have not spoken with in a long time

With the busyness of summer, it may have been a while since you connected with family members or friends afar. Take a few minutes to connect with your loved ones.

8. Drink more warm fluids, other than coffee

Make some tea, curl up in a blanket with a great book. Nothing is as quintessential Fall as this.

9. Make your bedroom really dark

Making your bedroom dark can help you get a good night’s sleep. Try to make your bedroom as dark as possible.

10. Jump in bed an hour earlier

If you pay attention to your body, you’ll notice that you are getting tired earlier. Your days feel longer as the sunlight time gets shorter. Don’t be afraid to jump in a bed an hour earlier. Don’t ignore that nudge your body gives you to get some extra sleep.

Chinese Medicine in the Fall

Chinese medicine is individualized to the needs of every person. As your needs change with the seasons, so does your treatment plan. We choose herbal formulas and acupuncture points based on what your body needs and where we currently are with the season. Warmer herbs and warmer formulas are usually started in the Fall. We also balance your acupuncture points differently each season.

Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Beth Schiffman
Many Lives Chinese Medicine
Acupuncturist Redwood City
650-366-4299
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