Staying Well Through Seasons & Life Changes
Ancient wisdom states that, “change is the only truth of the Universe.” While I do function better with a routine, I must be changing and evolving every day, even one percent will do.
My friend Evelyn named me the “Roadrunner.” She also calls me the Energizer Bunny, I think that is funny. So, it’s either my ethos or my fate that as the seasons change and I roll into the new one, that I am traveling every weekend this fall.
Every weekend from August to mid December, I will be on an airplane jetting to the other side of the country, the mountain west, to watch my son play D1 football.
This kind of change is a little different as it requires a strong, mind, body and spirit to keep up with life’s regular tasks, preparing for frequent flying, altitude variables and changing climates and time zones.
Whoa- how is one to manage their health and well-being through it all?
What is the key to protecting one’s health and well being through all these variations?
Herein lies the topic of this week’s blog: Stay Well Through the Seasons and Life Changes.
One possible mindset to adopt is the ancient and durable principles of Chinese medicine, which also correlates to glimpses of the Blue Zone philosophy.
In Chinese medicine the 5 Element Theory is a primary relationship that relates all energy and substance to the Elements of Earth, Fire, Metal, Water and Wood. Each element has multiple associations including seasons.
Now, we are entering what my friend Christina Cagnoni, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, calls the season of the Metal Element or Fall. Dr. Cagnoni prescribes that we navigate the season with some common sense practices which are beneficial this season.
SCRIPT:
If she were to prescribe a plan and she has for me on various occasions, here is what the prescription for a healthy fall would include:
Firstly, nurture yourself emotionally.
Check your mental and emotional state and address grief, sorrow or sadness.
These emotions pop up when we are transitioning from the fun and jovial summer season to darker days and cooler temps. Remaining social will help a lot. Call a friend, relative or confidante. Never hold in a painful thought or emotion, rather safely and positively release through conversation, prayer/medication and movement. Walking has a way of replacing negativity with endorphins and creating a positive feeling.
Next, strengthen your immune system with emphasis on the lungs.
Declutter the toxic and minimize the excess. And- put the clean into your routine These suggestions are also applicable to those of us doing a lot of traveling.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN:
HYGIENE:
Practice good hygiene!
People always touch their eyes, nose and mouth without realizing it. Frequent handwashing will prevent infections and viruses from growing in the body.
TIP: Wash your hands often, before preparing food and after using the bathroom. AND, dry hands as much as possible so that germs, which spread easier through moisture, will not travel. Air dry is best, followed by clean paper towel.
*Handwashing is always a good idea, but especially in the transition months. *Use soap and water and rub hands for :20 seconds.
If you have a cough, cover your mouth with your elbow after sneezing or coughing.
BREATH!
Practice deep belly breathing for lung health.
Deep breathing also relaxes you and deflates stress. Breath work is underrated, and we will be doing an episode on breathing.
FOOD:
Eat seasonally including squash, turnips and leafy greens.
Include apples for the calming and centering for the spirit. Apples are my favorite snack to travel with. I purchase organic Honey Crisp apples (in season now) slice in quarters and sprinkle with cinnamon. (Cinnamon boosts metabolism)
Eat honey. Honey is soothes the throat when dry, especially when traveling to high altitudes like I do.
TAKEAWAY: Moisten and nourish your lungs by steaming a tablespoon of honey and drizzle over a pear.
SLEEP:
This nutrient is crucial year round but especially in the fall and winter months when more people get sick.
Sleep is nutrient to help the body recover and keep the immune system stronger to fight bacteria.
When my husband and I travel we always bring Kefi Life Nani Cream, which is a natural sleep aid. Our blend of vetiver, Frankincense and Lavender with the Kefi Life olive oil as a carrier, has a calming effect on the brain and sends a signal, “It’s time to sleep.” The olive oil helps for absorption.
TIP: Rub soles of feet with Nani cream and put on sock to allow for deeper penetration of oils to blood stream. Get your Nani on by visiting the Kefi Life Shop
SUNLIGHT:
Dr Andrew Huberman emphasizes that we should get sunlight, especially in the colder months to regulate the circadian rhythm, wakefulness and mood. Let’s face it, when its cold and dark outside we want to snuggle our blankets.
Get as much natural sunlight as possible by stepping outside and glancing at sun on a sunny day for 2- 10 minutes. On a cloudy day, walk outside, layer up accordingly, and glance at sun even though is may be scarce, sill glance as you stroll for about 20 minutes.
Do this exercise as close to waking up as possible.
Start off the day with sun.
There are numerous ways to keep the immune system strong for total body wellness. Begin with the basics by drinking plenty of water, consume vitamins D and C honor what your body is saying to you. If you are starting to feel sick, slow down a bit and drink lots of liquids adding lemon and honey to warm water.
MINDSET:
Fall is a time to clean up mentally, psychically and spiritually. What does not serve you should be eliminated.
Choose 3 simple and helpful practices and implement daily. You will see and feel the difference as the seasons go from hot and sunny to cool, colorful and brisk.
Sending you filakia -kisses,
Ola Kala,
Kiki