September brings with it a frenzy of activity. Don't get me wrong. I love this season; the majestic colours, the blue on blue skies, the fantastic food, cooling temperatures, and new beginnings. It represents a switching of the gears in every sense. The kids are back to school, everyone has hit the ground running, and we all race from one activity to the next. Most of us adapt to this turbo-charged environment by throwing on a sweater.
Alas, if all you’re doing to help your body turn the page is wearing a few extra layers, this month will sneak up and bite you. With a little advance planning, and a few pauses to stop and smell the roses, September can be the best month on your calendar. Here’s how.
10 Ways to Stay Happy and Healthy in September
Ditch the Salads. I know this is a tough one. I know!! But cutting back on raw foods is Rule Number One if you’re going to stay healthy and happy this season. Lean towards vegetable soups, roasted vegetables, or indeed any kind of warming foods.
Out With Cold Food. It’s not the time for ice cream, frozen fruit, or ice cold smoothies. This will tax your immune system like nothing else.
Ditto Cold Drinks. Are you sensing a theme here? The best thing I ever did for my health was unplug my water cooler. It’s a great time to switch to warming teas.
Eat Seasonal Food. Nature provides added carbs to autumn fare, which helps our bodies prepare for cooler temperatures. Think corn on the cob, peppers, onions, sweet potatoes, squash.… This is the best time for a stroll through your local farmer’s market for inspiration.
Add Warming Spices. Spices such as cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, and ginger are fantastic seasonal additions. In addition to being delicious they’re extra health insurance against colds and viruses.
Schedule Daily Downtime. It’s a season of increased physical and mental exertion, so keep yourself balanced with a half hour of doing nothing. Meditation carries amazing benefits, or if you’re lucky, schedule a short afternoon nap. If not, focus on finding a quiet spot with no stimulus, and just breathe.
Dress for the Weather. Layer, layer, layer. It’s no use pretending it’s still summer. Even when the days are gorgeous, the mornings and evenings can be cool to downright cold. It’s a great excuse to break out your fall wardrobe!
Hedge Your Bets. A little extra Vitamin C goes a long way right now. Take the all-natural approach with fresh lemon in your water or buy a good supplement. 1-2 grams in the morning will give you energy and staying power.
Sweat it Out. This goes for all seasons, but becomes especially important when you’re feeling stressed out and overloaded. There’s nothing like a hit of endorphins to ramp up your immune system, calm your nerves, and put it all in perspective.
Book a Massage. This is the yin to the yang of September. Give yourself a break and check out of that avalanche of responsibilities for a little while.
As with anything else in life, the transition to autumn is about taking it one step at a time. Going from sleepy summer to full throttle fall in one mad dash is not your recipe for success. Adapting to the changing climes and changing schedule is a gradual process, so ease up on yourself to get through this month without burning out. These simple tips will see you through September with balance and vitality. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all.
