I am an Autumn baby. When the air cools down but the earth is still warm, I am in my glory. Sweatshirt and jeans season is my jam. It’s such a busy time, too. School starts for the kids. Harvesting, processing, and storing is in full swing. Tying up loose ends, fall planting, and clean up all have to be done before December. (I’m in zone 7b)

As the chill grows and sunshine becomes evasive, I know it’s time to shift gears. And I mean, shift them all the way down. It’s not always easy; I do feel disappointment that the growing season is over and I can get depressed when it’s dreary during the day and dark by the afternoon.

The best method I have found to resolve those feelings is to accept the change. I remind myself that nature rests in winter and I am part of nature. The plants and wildlife spent autumn stocking their food stores and preparing to tuck in and so did I. There is so much to be enjoyed when we can feel good about the work we’ve done and settle in for a rest.

Resolutions

The concept of setting resolutions dates all the way back to the Babylonians who would make promises to their gods during an annual festival. That is exactly what if feels like to me. Pressure, expectations, harsh judgement, and failure.

Instead, I set gentle intentions that are aligned with the season like prioritizing sleep and downtime, protecting my energy by not over scheduling myself, getting out into nature, moving my body gently but consistently, recommitting to a journaling practice, reading more books, playing music, and making art. This time is for nurturing and nourishing my body and spirit.

Consider your future goals, certainly make space for dreaming, then build a menu of 1-3 intentions you can set as we move into the first week of December. Remember, this time is for resting, building resilience, and protecting your energy.

Cozy Environments

Occasionally, I will get a chill that I just can’t get rid of when it turns cold and this is the perfect excuse to break out all the cozy things. I’ll wear a pair of cozy socks, upgrade to an electric blanket, or turn on a small space heater if it’s particularly drafty.

I prefer ambient, soft lighting all the time – no matter the season. By the time Halloween rolls around, I can usually be found with a candle burning nearby, a fire going in the fireplace, and soft lamp light throughout the house. Never the big light, unless we’re working on something that we really need to see.

Winter Nourishment

Our bodies require different nourishment in the winter. Warm, nutritive meals like soups, root vegetables, and whole grains. Tea for hydration and immune support. Herbs for immunity and nervous system support. Special attention should be paid to foods that sustain energy and immunity.

• Leafy greens: spinach and kale
• Mushrooms: lion’s mane, reishi, and shiitake
• Root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, and beets
• Gourds: butternut squash, pumpkin, kabocha, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash
• Citrus fruits: (in season in the winter) oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes
• Fermented foods: yogurt, kefire, kimchi, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread
• Lean proteins: fish, eggs, and legumes
• Nuts and seeds: hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, chia, and hemp hearts
• Warming spices: garlic, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and turmeric
• Herbs: thyme, oregano, rosemary, calendula, tulsi, milky oats, licorice, and ashwagandha

Nervous System Soothing

Incorporate a mini ritual into your day today. Calm and regulate your nervous system through gentle sensory focus.

Weighted Rest Ritual: Place a warm rice pack across your chest, close your eyes, and imagine roots wrapping gently around you.

Herbs for Hygge

If slowing down and getting tucked in is on your to-do list, you’ll love the free printable we’re offering for the Winter Season called Herbs for Hygge. You’ll receive a comprehensive list of herbs that will relax, nourish, and warm your body as the season begins.

I love you all the way down to your roots – Elizabeth