Healthy habits for Autumn: PART ONE

Healthy habits for Autumn

Autumn in the season of the Metal element, characterised by the Lungs and Large Intestine meridians that run from the chest, along the arms down and back up, to the opposite side of the nose. The first of the Yin seasons, Autumn signals time to slow down and give ourselves breathing space. Just as leaves fall, in Autumn we need to let go of overdoing so we can draw close to what really matters. To help keep our energy buoyant, here is Part One of my Healthy Habits for Autumn.

1. Keeping Warm

My first healthy habit is simple. As we move deep into Autumn here in Central Scotland, daylight hours and temperatures drop. In chilly weather, we understandably stiffen up. Internally our connective tissue thickens so we become less flexible. Emotionally we can become brittle and armoured; a sign of Metal element imbalance. So let’s avoid this by keeping our bodies warm both indoors and outdoors, wearing layers and wrapping up.

2. Establish a good routine

Metal energy loves quality, structure and regimen. The Large Intestine, associated with Metal, is a case in point. We all have a preferred time of day and or place to go to the loo! Therefore, our second healthy habit is establish a good routine that nourishes you this Autumn. You may wish to list those areas that are important to you and schedule them into your day and week. Areas could include Family/friends, movement, personal growth, having fun, eating healthily, for example. If you can, allocate a regular time slot so that you know what is ahead, without thinking too much. Just as we prioritise good quality habits, we also need to ditch doing too much, so we can manage our energy and avoid burnout and illness.

3. Moving Well

Good quality movement is a key ingredient of an Autumn routine and our healthy habit number three. Aim for manageable and regular. Brisk walks, jogging, dancing, swimming, anything to get us breathing deeper and raising our heart rate in enjoyable ways, for instance. Moving therefore helps our circulation, keeps us warm, healthy and limber. Moreover it importantly pumps our lymphatic system, which needs movement to function.

The lymphatic system has three main functions:

• It drains fluid from our tissues and returns it to our bloodstream.
• Protects our body from disease by removing germs (bacteria, viruses and parasites) and toxins (poisons), and helps to destroy cells that are old, damaged or abnormal.
• Helps absorb fats and vitamins from our digestive system and transports them to our bloodstream.

Boost low energy

However Autumn is not a good time to go for the burn or an all out sweaty gym session, draining energy and important minerals, instead aim to keep at least 50% in the tank.

Feeling tired or worn out? We can build energy with holistic movement practices such as yoga and qigong, to encourage good energy flow in body and mind.

Getting outside and connecting with nature helps regulate our mental health as well as physical health. When we connect with the beauty around us, we feel brighter.

Prioritise good quality movement with good quality nutrition and rest – this will be covered in my next Healthy Habits for Autumn: PART TWO.

And finally

Thank you for reading this Autumn blog. I’d love to support your wellbeing and vitality this Autumn, so why not join me in class, at my upcoming Nourish mini retreat on 4th December (Use EARLYBIRD and save 5% ends 13 November) or anytime on my On Demand channel (enjoy 50% off for 3 months use TREATME on booking) and bring mindful energising practice into your day.