Over my last few blog posts, I’ve been discussing the beauty of the changing seasons and I’ve also touched on some of the discomfort that can come with the pollen of the late blooming beauty of autumn.

I wanted to make mention here that it is never a good idea to just shrug off any uncomfortable symptoms as ‘it’s just allergies’. While we all may suffer from allergies this time of year with varying degrees of severity, there truly IS a chance that you could be suffering from a seasonal cold or flu and it is never worth passing that around. If you are at all concerned that your symptoms are more than just seasonal allergies, stay home and avoid contact with others until the symptoms pass. If they don’t pass, or progress like your usual allergies do, make plans to check in with your doctor and confirm what’s up and what the next step to getting better should be. 

This time of year even just the sudden swings of temperature (cold to hot and cold again), can be rough on our immune systems. Also, with the lessening of daylight (days growing shorter), and less activity outside in general because of cooler temps or busyness, can deplete the immune system. (lack of movement, plus lack of vitamin D). Not to mention going back to school (for some, in-person classes have begun), or fall gatherings, or holidays with family, we are connecting with more people, and therefore, more germs.

There are so many contributing factors to wellness. As routines change, there can be increased anxiety and stress surrounding the new schedules and deadlines. Stress is a huge component to compromised immune health. Making sure you are supporting your mental health this time of year is important. Set boundaries on your time and protect them. Don’t overextend yourself or your family. It’s okay to not do it all. 

Seasonal wellness checklist: 

• -with new schedules, make sure you are still prioritizing time in your most important relationships and activities. 
• -utilize supplements to support wellness. (vitamins, tinctures, essential oils, etc). Vitamins C, B and D are all super important for wellness, I have been incredibly happy with the results of Young Living’s supplements. Look into the immune system section on my shop website to check out all the different herbal formulas that can support the healthy function of this vital system. Davy and I use my tinctures everyday for seasonal wellness and are so very glad for these herbal tools in our cabinet. Wearing, diffusing and ingesting essential oils (dietary grade only) is a simple and useful way to smell nice while supporting wellness. 
• -keep moving! Go out on hikes while it’s still sunny, if crisp, weather; go for walks around your neighborhood. Have a dance party in your living room to some upbeat tunes for 20 mins. Stretch for 10 mins. Get your heart pumping. 
• -drink more water. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. And if you are drinking caffeine, you need to drink 2x as much water to make up for each serving of caffeine you’re drinking. 
• -Get enough sleep. There are so many herbs and oils that support restful night sleep! Utilize these tools at your disposal. 
• -Eat well. This will look different for everyone. My tip is don’t stress about it, do the best you can. Maybe consider adding 1 additional vegetable to one meal each week. Instead of that sugary granola bar, eat a banana. Small changes that are sustainable are much more effective that major dietary shifts that are overwhelming and ultimately given up on.

What are small, simple changes that you could start implementing today to work towards better wellness tomorrow?