Grounding Into Fall Yogic tips for a nourishing Fall
As children return to school and the leaves begin to change colors, it becomes more and more important to keep our self-care rituals in alignment with the coming season. As a private Yoga instructor in New York City, I have seen countless clients successfully navigate the end of Summer blues utilizing Yoga, meditation, and self-care rituals.
According to Yoga’s sister science Ayurveda, the coming of Fall means a transition from Pitta to Vata. Pitta is the dominant energetic quality in summer and is described as being; hot, fiery, quick, and sharp. As we journey into September and October we begin to leave behind the warmth of summer embracing the dry, light, and cold qualities of vata.
While some people welcome this cooler weather, others miss the laid back warmth of summer and often feel ungrounded and overwhelmed. Regardless of what camp you land in, it is important to honor our natural rhythms and make seasonal lifestyle adjustments.
Below are five strategies I share with my Private Yoga clients to keep them balanced and energized during during this annual transition.
Stay In The Sun
Just because you can’t wear a bikini doesn’t mean you still can’t get some sun. Natural light has been shown to improve mood, seasonal depression, sleep disorders and stress levels. Some research even suggest that natural light can reduce inflammation, decrease blood pressure, and improve brain function. Most importantly spending time in nature, even if that simply means your neighborhood park connects us with something greater than ourselves. This gives us the time to process and create a deeper understanding of life’s transitions.
2. Eat Seasonally
Eating seasonally is not just nourishing for your body but also our Planet, and our local farmers. Fall eating should include a wide variety of freshly cooked vegetables, fruits, and spices to provide a warming, grounding quality to your diet. Root vegetables, hearty grains, warming spices, and healthy fats are a great start to a grounding diet. Aim to buy fresh produce at your local farmer’s market and avoid a raw food diet in colder months and seasons. Practice sitting down and sharing meals with loved ones or if eating by yourself practice eating slowly and mindfully.
3. Try Grounding Practices
Staying grounded can be difficult in the Fall due to all the Vata energy, you may feel scattered or lose focus easily. This is especially true for individuals who are already prone to these tendencies. Staying grounded keeps us present and mindful even during those stressful moments like; long work weeks and parent teacher conferences (just to name a few). Long walks, meditation, and restorative Yoga are amazing ways to maintain mindful and grounded this Autumn. Even a simple meditation feeling your feet firmly on the floor is a seamless way to incorporate grounding into your work or home life.
4. Establish A Routine
Fall is busy; schedules change, school starts, and holidays are right around the corner. Run your life, don’t let your life run you. Establish routines that support and nourish you. This could be as simple as limiting the number of appointments you take in a week, setting limitations on your screen time, or meal prepping on a Sunday night. Buy a planner, journal, or utilize a google calendar to keep yourself on-track. Documenting your schedule and routines is also a great way to keep a personal record and track your growth over time. Make a routine and stick to it, you deserve a schedule that supports your life instead of controlling it.
5. Take Time For Yourself
The founding of my business Private Yoga Soho has personally illuminate the importance of this final tip for me. Because I work 1:1 with my Yoga clients, I get to see up close and personal the benefits of taking just 2–3 hours of time for yourself each week. I see clients transform in front of my eyes after only a few Private Yoga sessions. The truth is we need time for ourselves to process, understand, and embody our experiences. Taking this time for ourselves allows us to step back and see the big picture, so we can live the deep and meaningful life we desire. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy this solo time; sauna, private Yoga, massage, etc. remember this tip only works if you commit to it. Don’t let a busy schedule get in the way of the life you deserve.
The list above is just a jumping off point, make your Fall wellness routine your own by incorporating rituals that feel right to you!
There is no right or wrong when it comes to taking care of yourself. Feel into your body and listen to what feels correct, listen for what sparks joy, creativity, and abundance in your life.
As I always tell my private Yoga clients the main reason we practice Yoga is so we can take it off the mat and into the World and the same goes for any of the practices mentioned above, use these as a catalyst to live a more authentic and inspiring life.