I've returned from the frenzy of the Summer!

Phew! I can't believe it is the end of September and I haven't written a thing since July!
What a summer it has been. With 2 practices on the go and many a friend's wedding, it seems that I haven't been in Toronto long enough to sit down with my computer and think, let alone write. But I'm back and this fall intend to do some writing.

It seems that the thing I keep hearing the most from my patients and friends lately is: 'I'm just SO exhausted!'
I'm convinced that the seasonal transition from summer to fall is a hefty one. It takes a significant toll on our physiology, and therefore it's important to rest and nurture ourselves after the frenzied summer months. It truly is a real downshift in our lives. Taken gracefully, the transition can be smooth.

Here are some tips:
1) Rest. There is no denying it. 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night truly restores our bodies, minds, and spirits.
2) Water. Aim for at least 1 litre of water a day. If you are active you will need plenty more than that. Water nourishes us on a cellular level and when we're feeling that oh so common afternoon sluggishness, it's amazing what a glass of clean water can do to pick us up!
3) Aim for a healthy digestion. That means plenty of fiber. By simply adding 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds (keep refrigerated), you are getting lots of fiber along with essential fatty acids. A healthy digestive tract is imperative - you can't absorb all the nutrients from your food without it!
4) Minimize stress. We can't particularly control our environments, but we can control our reaction to it. Minimize stress by taking what I lovingly refer to as 'mental health walks'. 20 minutes is all you need of alone time outside. This is not walking to or from work (unless you can detach easily and your walk is though the woods!) This is 20 minutes in comfortable shoes, taking big deep breaths. No ipods allowed. Just the sounds of nature in a beautiful setting. It's possible, even in the most urban of environments!

Accepting your limitations and yielding to the changing seasons will help not only your mental-emotional wellbeing, but your physiology too!