It’s official: fall is in the air! As you take in the gorgeous foliage and leaves changing colors, you may also experience seasonal shifts in your own life. too. Throughout the busy transition into autumn, it is important now more than ever to stay grounded and take care of yourself - mind, body, and spirit. Inner Connections Yoga & Wellness shares tips to stay grounded this season:
Spend Time in Nature
One simple way to get grounded is spending time in nature, and autumn’s cooler weather makes for the perfect time to do so. Throw on your favorite oversized sweater and head outdoors! Options are endless ‚ including walking barefoot on the beach (go barefoot outside and simply take in the scenery, as you feel the earth beneath you; walking outside barefoot is a wonderful way to practice mindfulness, while connecting with Mother Nature), visiting Brookgreen Gardens or one of the state parks in the area, planting and preparing your garden for winter, or kayaking or boating. Breathe deeply and connect with the beauty that surrounds you.Practice Grounding Yoga Poses
Moving your body can be a wonderful tool to ground your energy, and yoga is a perfect outlet. Try incorporating grounding yoga poses into your practice like Mountain Pose, Eagle Pose, Upward Facing Dog, Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), Plank pose, Downward Facing Dog, Sukhasana (Easy Pose), and more! Better yet, take a yoga class with Inner Connections to enhance your experience of a fall yoga practice.Simplify your Morning Routine
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? If you start your day out feeling hectic (think: simultaneously checking your email while packing your kid’s lunch and making a pot of coffee), you may want to slow down and simplify your morning routine. Try taking a few deep breaths before getting out of bed (yes, that means before checking your phone), eating a nourishing breakfast, and packing lunches the night before to avoid the morning chaos. Morning journaling is also a wonderful way to clear your head and release your thoughts before you begin your day.Choose Warming, In-Season Foods
As the season shifts from summer to fall, it’s time to move away from cooling summer produce in favor of fall’s harvest. Choose warming, in-season foods like roasted root vegetables, winter squash, baked apples, soups, and stews. Seasonal fall foods are naturally grounding, just as Mother Nature intended.Pour Yourself a Cup of Hot Tea
If you are feeling inattentive and need a moment for yourself, take a break and pour yourself a cup of hot tea. Herbal teas with spices like turmeric, ginger, and cardamom have naturally warming, grounding properties that can give you that sense of calm you have been craving. Chai is also a great way to stimulate the gut and digestive system and the presence of polyphenols in black tea similarly aids gastrointestinal functions.Slow Down and Practice Mini Mindful Moments
If you are feeling scattered, take it as your body’s internal cue to slow down, pause, and practice mindfulness. Take deep breaths throughout the day, slow down and enjoy your meals with pleasure, and tap into your body and how it feels in the moment. Try incorporating mini mindful moments throughout your day-to-day life ‚ even if it is simply doing a quick body scan or enjoying a quiet cup of hot drink on your porch before the day begins.Experience a Walking Meditation
If you can carve out 10 minutes, you can make time for a walking meditation - a unique form of meditation involving mindfully walking in nature. A great resource to get started is https://chopra.com/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-walking-meditation.Take a Break from social media
If your daily social media obsession and late-night mindless Instagram scrolling is taking a toll on your mental health, it may be time to take a break. Constantly tuning into the news and social channels can be especially overwhelming right now with everything going on in the world, so it is important to set boundaries and protect your energy. Try unplugging a few hours before bed, taking mini breaks throughout the day, or consider doing a complete digital detox.
