5 Ways to Ease Stress Going into Fall
There’s a chill in the air, leaves are changing, and you’re yearning for that spiced latte – fall is in the air!
A time of year many of us relish due to cooler temps, the earth’s color change, and nature’s harvest, it can also be one of stress from such things as back-to-school schedules, work project responsibilities, and even grief.
So how can you manage stress during this beautiful time of year?
Here are 5 tips to supporting a healthy stress response as we head into fall:
1. Eat pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and potassium which can help manage healthy cortisol levels as well as zinc which may support mood and reduce anxiety.
Enjoy them as a snack, on a salad, sprinkled on soup, or any other favorite dish!
2. Take the path less traveled.
Movement is essential to a healthy body and mind but some research is concluding that movement (particularly, walking) is most beneficial when done in nature. It may not only manage cortisol but also can improve mood.
What better time of year than fall to get out and experience these positive effects?
3. Warm up with adaptogen tea.
Adaptogens (herbs that help manage the body’s stress response and aim for homeostasis) tend to have an earthy taste, perfect for grounding oneself in the season.
Common adaptogen teas are:
- tulsi/holy basil
- reishi, turkey tail, and chaga mushroom
- ashwagandha
- Siberian ginseng
- maca
- licorice root
and can be enjoyed individually or as part of a blend.
4. Pick up a reflective book.
Fall can be a time for introspection in which reading can bring on self-awareness and reflection.
It can challenge our core beliefs and provide inspiration for personal change and growth in addition to encouraging us to slow down, allowing our nervous system to calm and reset.
Cuddle up with a soft blanket in your favorite chair and dive into topics you may have been too busy or distracted to contemplate in recent months.
5. Deeply connect.
In Chinese medicine, fall is a time of moving inward in which authentic connection with oneself and others can be experienced. Just as leaves are falling off of trees, we may have a desire to shed non-beneficial or surface-level tasks, habits, foods, relationships, and the like in order to ground ourselves and re-connect to our soul.
Some ways to foster connection with oneself and others are:
- journaling
- having conversation over tea or coffee
- cooking and sharing a nutrient-dense meal with family and friends
- spending time quiet and still, meditating
- simplifying one’s home and work environments
- reading poetry
- eating seasonal whole foods from the earth (root vegetables, stone fruits, and leafy greens)
- practicing yoga
- walking or hiking
- finding holistic guidance
- seeking spirituality
Fall can be a beautiful time of year both externally and internally. The earth is changing all around us and we, too, can change in accordance.
With a mindful and manageable approach, the season can support our response to stress while allowing us enjoy everything it has to offer.
And if you need additional help, we are here for you!
For naturopathic support, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves. Let us know of your issues and hear how we may be able to help.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
REFERENCES:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013916518800798
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322652#foods-that-help-reduce-anxiety
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