Fall into Winter for Optimal Skin
Foundational to good skin is a healthy body, and during these modern times, it takes some work for that healthy body. Once upon a time, human beings lived in a state of harmony with nature. We got up with the sun, ate seasonal and local foods, and moved our bodies out of necessity. Fast forward to today, and our alignment with nature’s cycles is muted by LED lights, screens, and work. Deviating from nature and its rhythms can have an ill-effect on our health (1). This week’s topic is inspired by the recent daylight savings change and the seemingly ‘sudden’ shift into winter with shorter and darker days. It’s almost reflexive to reject the change however through observation and a bit of adaptation, I believe we set ourselves up for better health. This week I point out three observations from nature and how we can live in accordance during this season. The week’s topic is inspired by my formal Chinese medicine training where it is believed that by harmonizing oneself with the seasons, you can stay healthier and prevent disease.
This is the time for self reflection:
If we look around at nature, we can observe a turn inwards; the leaves fall off the trees, flowers die back, and some animals prepare for hibernation. Activities during this time should reflect a turn inwards with some energy preservation. Autumn is a season of change, and therefore one should take special care to attend to the tranquil practices of nourishing life to avoid getting sick. This is the time for self reflection, meditation, reading, and other soul-nourishing activities. At this time last year, I was in the habit of taking a hot bath and putting on a meditation through the Insight Timer app; it never felt bad after this ritual.
Go to bed and rise with the sun:
The Neijing, a classical Chinese medicine text, states: In autumn, “go to bed early and get up with the chickens (at dawn).” Just as the sun goes down earlier, so should we. This can be challenging these days with abundant screen time and LED lights; I very much relate to this. The health benefits we get from maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is well established (2). This time of year really makes it easier to sleep more and something I like to take advantage of with my kiddo; on a good night, we’re bed by 7:30 pm. Thank you autumn.
Eat Warming Foods:
This is the time for warming foods like soups, squashes, and stews. If we observe the foods available at this time, like squash, they have to be cooked. This is opposite that of summer foods, like berries and melons, which are more cooling in nature. Swap out oatmeal and other cooked grains for cold cereal and try a baked apple or pear with a little honey in replace of ice cream.
Thanks for reading. Healthy skin begins with a healthy body and living in harmony with the seasons supports a healthy body.
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