We live in a world that shelters us from nature. Most of us live and work in air conditioned and heated spaces. We turn the lights on when the sun sets, and we fill our eyes and brain with artificial light from countless screens throughout the day. Our bare feet never need to touch the earth, and some of us never swim in natural waters. While this may be considered progress for humans, and there is something to be said regarding our comfort in conjunction with overall health, as it reduces many stresses on our bodies that may to lead to disease. In our modern times, we can still tune into these rhythms of nature and the seasons, which not only connects us with the earth and elements, but may also benefit our health and wellbeing.
We are blessed with four awe-inspiring seasons. Depending on where you call home, each season brings different climates, different flora and wildlife, unique winds and weather. Since ancient times, many micro-seasons used to dot the calendar. These were based mostly on weather, crops, and harvests. We still reference some of these micro-seasons. I am sure you have heard of strawberry season, apple season, even mud season in the wettest part of the spring melt.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Less Light: Autumn brings cooler temperatures, a change in outdoor activities, less sunlight - and depending on how far from the equator you live, less direct sunlight. I love watching the angles of sunlight change, the new shadows and the way the sun sparkles through the trees. There is a day every early September when it hits me - I look around and proclaim, “it’s not summer anymore.” You can just see the difference in the angle of the sun - the tilt is undeniable.
We may be more evolved than bears, but that does not mean we don’t innately want to hibernate in darker, colder times. The lack of sunlight does trigger a desire to sleep, and in the fall, the sun setting earlier and earlier everyday causes that desire to grow. Unfortunately for us, the lack of natural light suppresses the release of melatonin - the hormone that signals your body to sleep. So we may be more tired, but our natural circadian rhythm is disrupted. The best way to combat this is to soak in as much natural sunlight as you can each day. Take a walk, or if you remain indoors, sit near a big window.
Cooler Temperature: Still on the topic of sleep, the lower temperatures of autumn actually promote sleep. Studies have shown that our body temperature takes a slight dip and stays lower until close to awakening. Since our bodies acclimate to the temperature around us, lowering the temperature of the room you sleep in will help you maintain a lower body temperature while you sleep and leads to a deeper, more restful sleep. The ideal room temperature is 65 degrees, since not everyone is the same, the recommended range of temperatures are between 60-71 degrees F. So instead of adding giant comforters, heated blankets, and flannel sheets - try lowering the thermostat or even crack a window in your bedroom for a couple of nights. See if you feel any more rested.
Mindfulness: make an effort to spend time outdoors doing activities that you enjoy. Notice the trees and plants around you and what they are doing. Here in the mid-atlantic region the leaves start to turn golden hues and reds by late September, and by late October, the colors are everywhere. The air is cool and crisp, with the occasional warm spell accompanied by damp, humid air. The butterflies have gone, and the bees are out searching for the last bit of sweetness. The flowers that bloomed profusely this summer have browned and wilted into dry, brittle stalks. Nuts from various trees litter the ground underneath them. Historically, the autumn is a time of harvest, festivals, gatherings, and gratitude. Practicing gratitude for all of the things that autumn brings will deepen your experience with the season.
Bring light into your space: The sun is returning to the Southern Hemisphere, and the long nights are returning to us in the Northern Hemisphere. As mentioned above, maximizing time in the natural light is important for not only our circadian rhythm, but for mental health as well. Open your curtains and blinds during the day. Sit near windows if you can’t get outside. Invest in a small light therapy lamp and use it often. Decorate with lights for the holidays early - that sparkle is both light and cheer together!
Visit the Farmer's Market: Eating seasonally is one of the easiest ways to live with the seasons. The beauty of a farmer's market is that they will have everything that is in season and local to you available for you to bring home that day. There are so many delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables that are in season every fall. The Farmers Almanac has a great tool that identifies what is in season by region of the U.S.
Find your region here: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/fruits-vegetables-season
Here is what is listed for my region - Northeast and New England
Apples | Beets | Broccoli | Brussels sprouts |
Cabbage | Cauliflower | Cranberries | Eggplant |
Grapes | Melons | Parsnips | Plums |
Pumpkins | Gourds | Radishes | Rutabagas |
Sweet potatoes | Sunchokes | Turnips | Winter squash |
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