Helping Body, Mind and Spirit make the transitions in selfcare through the seasons It takes some thought and planning, but you can make it easier.  Shifting Self Care from Summer to Autumn Autumn often comes roaring in with the sun setting earlier, colder temperatures and often rain and wind. Yet this season is still a favourite for me, with the gorgeous colours of reds, oranges and yellows, and the crisp, fresh scents that permeate the air. My self-care routines do shift quite a lot for the Fall though, as I find myself spiraling inwards in both body and mind. Falling into Self-Care Activities Shimmies warm you from the inside out! Outdoors is my go-to through most of the year. It doesn't matter the season, outdoors feeds mind, body and soul! Cooler darker months though mean the day is dark before my work day ends. Rain and wind will drive me indoors for many Autumn days. That's when hiking and nature walks shift to Tribal Belly Dance. The music goes on, the hip scarves come out and I shimmy all over the house. It lifts my mood as much as a hike does. The yoga mat moves from the grass to the carpet and I stretch in and out of myself after a good dance workout. This isn't to say that I don't go outside. I consciously switch up my daily routines to experience as much exposure to daylight as I possibly can. The light on the forehead stimulates the pituitary gland which is important for increasing serotonin (mood stabilizer) production. That's to say nothing of the benefits from sunshine doses of Vitamin D and also, just how good it feels to be out in the fresh air. Self Massaging Autumns Dryness Away Self Massage rituals to moisturize your skin Autumn often means my skin care regime has to change. Increased dry brushing to get rid of dead skin cells and LOTS of moisturizing. I make moisturizing a self-massage ritual. Usually coconut oil, blended with favourite essential oils and massaged into muscles, joints and skin. This increased and focused touch is a great way to improve body awareness, plus creates skin that just feels good to live in. For my scalp and hair I give myself an Indian Head Massage using warmed coconut or sesame oil to nourish and nurture. Wrapped up in a towel for a few hours so that my upper being absorbs all the goodness. More Self-Care Sessions Booked Fall and winter are busy times for Holistic Therapists and the need for my own muscle maintenance increases as my work load does. I book in for both Craniosacral Therapy and Massage sessions more often for many reasons as well as muscle maintenance. With more clients coming in I ensure I am doing all that I can to keep my Immune system strong and healthy, and Holistic Therapies help with that. It also encourages me to relax and de-stress so that my sleep improves...all great immune boosting stuff! With the shift in my activities I use my muscles in different ways and so those shimmying hips and dance leg muscles require some extra attention in staying loose and flexible. I find additional Craniosacral Therapy is becoming my go to in helping my Fascia to stay open and moving. Seasonal Eating Selfcare Seasonal and Fresh foods for your dietary self care Do you also prefer warm foods in your tummy when the weather is colder outside? There is nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup, to warm you from the inside out. Or starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal and warmed fruit. Preferring to buy local and fresh my self care nourishment includes lots of squash, kale, beets, carrots, apples and pears blended into stews, soups, oatmeal and other deliciousness. The addition of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, curry, nutmeg speak to my soul this time of year. Cozying up to Self Care As the weather becomes colder I spend more time indoors and like a space that feels comforting and peaceful. So in preparation some extra blankets are on the couch, scented candles and incense are nearby, along with some good books and spicy herbal teas. Cozy times also include more bath time than during the summer. There is nothing quite like allowing that hot and healing moist heat to fully embrace my skin, muscles and bones. Comforting scents of essential oils and herbal tea round out this sanctuary for me. While my garden is hibernating my creative interests also move in as I craft, sew, make candles, lotions, etc. How do your self care rituals change through the seasons?When you have to stay indoors rather than be outside, what do you do for self care?
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Teresa Graham,
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