5 Nourishing Autumn Rituals

November is almost here, bringing chilly mornings, dark nights, rainy days, and gray skies.  As the days grow cold and dark, the extraverted energy of Summer feels like a distant memory.

It’s common to feel a decrease in energy, the need for more rest, and seasonal mood changes during this time.  Human beings are deeply connected to nature, after all!  As the season shifts outwardly, an internal shift is happening within us, too.

Instead of fighting against this transition, now is a beautiful time to slow down, cozy up, and turn inwards.  Autumn provides an opportunity to check-in with ourselves, and create some space to nourish mind, body, and spirit.

Today, we’d love to share 5 Nourishing Autumn Rituals to support your physical health and emotional well-being in the coming months ahead. We hope these suggestions bring you ease, nourishment, gentleness, and joy through this seasonal transition.

1. Incorporate the “Sunshine Vitamin”

Vitamin D, also known as “vitamin sunshine”, is an essential vitamin come winter, especially for those of us who live in gray, rainy climates like here on the West Coast.  Studies show Vitamin D supports the immune system, elevates mood, prevents seasonal depression disorder, and encourages bone health - among many other things.  It’s an essential vitamin, meaning your body cannot produce Vitamin D on its own, so supplementation is necessary when daily sun exposure isn’t an option.

We love Prairie Naturals Vitamin D3 (liquid or capsule form) and Absorb-It-All Vitamin D drops (made locally here on the Sunshine Coast!)  Both supplements are available in store at Roberts Creek Well-being.

2. Start a Journaling Practice

The slower pace that autumn brings offers the perfect opportunity to practice self-care, reflection, and introspection.  Grab your journal, a pen, and find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.  Some soft music, a Canvas Company candle, cozy blanket, or Sea Witch Botanicals Incense adds a special touch!  Spend 10-30 minutes writing down what you’re grateful for, what it’s time to let go of, and what intentions you’d like to set for the coming months ahead.

Come into Roberts Creek Well-being to browse our whimsical selection of beautifully illustrated journals from Blue Angel Publishing.

3. Focus on warming, whole foods

Support your body in the colder season with warming, hearty, deeply nourishing foods.  Cozy up with a steaming bowl of Mile One Eating House BC Mushroom or Grass-fed Beef Chili, found in the freezer section at Roberts Creek Well-being.  This chili is just like the one your grandmother would make; flavorful, hearty, and using only the purest of ingredients.  The perfect, convenient, nourishing Autumn meal!

4. Try Forest Bathing

When the weather turns, it can be easy to shut ourselves inside during the colder months.  But spending time in nature is one of the most effective ways to support mental health, build the immune system, and prevent seasonal depression.  Autumn is also a particularly beautiful time to be in the forest, as the trees turn vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.

This Autumn, try the outdoor practice of “Forest Bathing”; an ancient technique originating from Japan that naturally reduces stress levels, enhances well-being, and deepens connection to nature.  To Forest Bathe, head into the forest without an agenda in mind.  Turn your phone on airplane mode and leave any distractions at home.  Focus on deepening your breath, and let your body slowly become present to your surroundings.  Tune into the senses:  What can you see? Hear? Smell? Touch? Taste? Feel?  Let yourself wander at whatever pace feels good, remaining fully present in your body, and to the forest around you.

We love the book “Your Guide to Forest Bathing” by M. Amos Clifford for a step-by-step guide to experiencing the healing power of nature.

5. Soak in an Autumnal bath

Soothe your body, mind, and spirit with a restorative autumnal bath using Epsom Salts.  Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, and encourages relaxation, alleviates sore muscles, detoxifies the body, reduces stress, and promotes restful sleep.  Elevate your bath with  organic and ethically sourced essential oils from Bear Essential OIls, Beeswax Chakra Tealights, and a festively scented candle from Canvas Candle Company.  We love the scents 'Ciderhouse’ and ‘Fireside’ this time of year!

Written by : Hannah Schmitt

Follow: @wholisticallyhannah_