“Renewal: The replacement or repair of something”
As we go into a new season, we experience an element of change in our lives. Darkness is upon us earlier in the day, temperatures change and the motivation we once had to get up and go disappears.
We can prepare for this type of change by getting mentally and physically ready.
Autumn and Winter are all about renewal. Leaves on the trees fall off ready to bloom fully in spring and most animals hibernate. Yet as humans we try to keep going at the same speed while all other life forms around us slow down.
Get ready physically
Exercise can be a challenge for most in Autumn and Winter because we become too busy with our new routines or can’t be bothered because it’s too cold outside. So, change it up a bit.
- Try exercising at home; get yourself a DVD or even look on YouTube and commit to a home practice at least 2 times per week.
- Go outside more, it sounds crazy but once you go out for a walk or a run you’ll be more inclined to keep going, and a quick 20-30 minute workout outside is just as effective as cardio in the gym.
- Shorten your gym workouts but make them more effective. Circuit training is good for this, so do a new circuit that incorporates cardio and strength training as well.
Get ready mentally
Think nutrition, while we like to indulge in comfort foods etc., our gut is our second brain, so you want to fuel your body with the right foods and minerals to keep your mood in check.
- Start with a mini detox, something as simple as taking Apple cider vinegar first thing each morning for 30 – 60 days.
- Eat seasonal foods to ensure you get the best possible nutritional benefit as possible. Include lots of vegetables in your diet through homemade soups and stews.
- Get yourself a good quality multi-vitamin to provide you with the extra boost of minerals. With vitamin C and D probably being the most important.
- Lastly rest, rest and rest. Now is the time to give your mind and body a break. Give yourself a day or evening without guilt to rest from the normal routine of life.
With these handy tips you’ll hopefully be one of a few individuals that embrace the Autumn and Winter months with a new outlook on life. Using this time as a great opportunity to reset yourself and be the best version of you by making small effective changes to your routine. And, like the life forms around us, slowing down to move faster come spring.
