Autumn Adjustments

Quotes from Shahada Karim (Ayurveda Nutrition & Lifestyle Expert)

“It’s always a good to adjust your self-care routines with the seasons. Autumn means shorter days and cooler temperatures. A few minor tweaks in your everyday care routine can make a significant difference in both the short and the long term.”

SKIN: Cooler temperatures can sometimes translate to drier skin, so using a richer moisturizer is a good idea. It’s also a good time to switch to a cream or oil-based face wash, to help your skin retain essential moisture during the cleansing process. If you exfoliate, consider switching to a gentler formula.

NUTRITION: Eating seasonally is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of whole food nutrition. Autumn brings us apples at their nutritional peak, as well as arugula, beets, cranberries, eggplant, parsnips, persimmons, turnips, winter squash and so much more! Autumn is one of the most abundant seasons of the year, and it’s the perfect time to explore new tastes and textures while also getting the highest nutritional payoff from everything you eat.

MOVEMENT: The seasonal shift to cooler weather means two things for exercise: when you do it and what you wear. If you’re working out indoors, the time of day has more to do with what’s convenient for your schedule. But exercise outdoors takes a little more thought and execution. If you’re working out during the coldest times of the day (or night), keep a bandana handy to help brace your lungs against the cold air (you don’t have to wear it for your entire workout, just keep it around your neck if your throat or lungs start to feel a little raw). It’s always good idea to insulate your body against cooler weather, but stick to moisture-wicking fabrics and layers so that you’re not stuck in cold wet clothing once you break a sweat.

REST/SLEEP/WELLNESS: Consider adjusting your sleep/wake schedule with the rising and setting of the sun. Besides your normal working schedule, think about winding down earlier, rather than keeping with the time on the clock for your rest or bedtime. With less actual sunlight, it’s natural to feel a bit more tired and in need of more rest than you might during the warmer months. Listen to your body and rest when you need.