Self care Tips on living well during the Autumn season.

Self care Tips on living well during the Autumn season.

As our weather changes we naturally grab for warmer clothes; turning up the heat – rather than overworking the A/C . It’s time for grabbing a warmer brew instead of those iced drinks.

This is also a great time to harvest from our garden after the summer.
This summer I planted cute little sprouts, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and several annuals.
They brought so many beautiful colors and fresh yummy snacks to enjoy.

I have family and friends that created larger gardens and are now reaping the rewards from all their efforts. It started with a seed, nurtured and cared for, awaiting the blooming to finally see the results and now…voila’ .. In just a few months! How time flies.

Another area to consider doing is self care for our health. As the weather gets colder and we spend less time outside due to lack of sunshine, we may retreat back to where it’s warmer inside. Meanwhile, our furnaces- vents have been idle during the summer collecting dust.

There are some specific things you want to take care of so that living back inside is the oasis you desire.

First thing is to clean out the furnace filters-and vents because the first time you turn on the heat, dust will be flying ( unless you have a dual purpose ac furnace then, you probably are ok). It doesn’t hurt to always check the filters. These contribute to your inhouse air quality.

I used to get sinus congestion every fall and it finally dawned on me about the filters. As soon as I replaced them the sinus issue left as well. Another focus is our vacuums; they give out exhaust and if they have been idle, then time to clean and service if needed.

Next, is bringing out fall items for your beds, flannel time!! Bringing out our favorite fall clothing…In my case; my boots!! I love wearing boots and changing out my bedding to flannel.

It feels so cozy to be ready when the weather changes. If you wait too long your body can cool down too fast and this is one reason for colds.

Take care of your comfort zone for internal heat.

Ever notice how your skin starts to look less luster in fall? When the tan fades- skin sags; spots appear; more dry spots and overall lack luster.

As an esthetician, when I worked at the spa ,this is the perfect time of year to exfoliate; letting go of all that dry skin build up. You can easily do this for yourself or visit a neighboring spa.

It’s weird how the skin takes a drastic turn; but there is a solution..

“Self-care is not a waste of time..
self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.”
Jackie Viramontez

Want an easy self care tip for home?

Dry brushing is the easiest and one of the best tricks for skin and immune pick me up!

What is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps to renew the skin and stimulate the immune & lymphatic system, while helping the body eliminate toxins.

How do you do it?

• Step 1
  Use a specific natural dry bristle body brush- most health foods stores carry them or you can buy them online. They are easy to find; choose only Natural bristles on wood.
• Step 2
  Using your Dry Brush, start at your feet and brush upward towards the heart. The chest area is where the lymph system drains so be sure to brush gently here and try to avoid other sensitive areas of the skin such as your face and neck.
• Step 3
  When you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. Use firm, small upward strokes or work in a circular motion. For the stomach, work in a clockwise pattern to work with the direction of digestion. Harsh exfoliation is never the point; be sure not to press too hard.
• Step 4
  Dedicate at least three to five minutes to brushing, adding more time if your skin isn’t showing irritation . Showering after dry brushing will help to rinse away dead skin cells and impurities, while also allowing your pores to release toxins. After you shower, give your body a vigorous towel rub to dry off then, apply pure virgin coconut oil from head to toe to lock in moisture and feed your skin essential vitamins and nutrients. Repeat the process 2-3 times each week and your skin will be glowing in no time!

There is a process for the Face- send me a private message for details to share.

The Benefits?

• Skin Exfoliation
• Reduces Cellulite
• Increases Circulation
• Detoxifies Skin
• Fights Ingrown Hairs
• Stimulates Lymphatic Drainage
• Improves Muscle Tone

For added health benefits – Try a cold splash after a warm shower; this cold splash can improve the function for our immune system. Healthline.com- cold water therapy.

In a dutch study, researchers tested whether people could voluntarily influence their own immune response with a combination of meditation-deep breathing and cold water immersion techniques. The results were positive.

I’ve been doing this regularly, per my Naturopathic Dr ,who said my system needed a bit of a boost; it took a little time to get used to it… the key? Is gradual, very gradual..

And now I really enjoy full on cool to colder water, then back to warm, then cool to colder.

These are just a few basic tips on self care , there are so many more to share.

Please reach out to me and share your specific challenges and I will tailor some tips just for you! choixdvie@gmail.com

I’m obsessed with self care due to how it makes me feel !

Self care is the Best way to prevent breakdowns.. In all aspects of life!

“Breathe.. Let go..
and remind yourself that this very moment
is the only one you know you have for sure.”
Oprah

Wishing you and your loved ones the Best in living well!

Thank-you for being here.- Joyce Wood,chhc