How Should You Adjust Your Routine for the Shorter Days of Late Fall?

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As we transition into the heart of autumn, with its crisp air and diminishing daylight, have you considered how seasonal changes impact your daily routine? It’s natural for our bodies to crave different things as the seasons turn, and what works in the sunny energy of summer may not necessarily serve us during the moody embrace of fall. So, how can you ensure you stay energized and aligned with your body’s needs when the days get shorter?

Let me share with you the three key adjustments I make to thrive during late fall.

1. Embrace the Light 🌞

Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that tells us when it’s time to be awake and when it’s time to rest. To signal the start of my day and to kickstart my energy levels, I soak up direct morning sunlight as soon as possible. This simple routine helps my body recognize that it’s time to wake up. Conversely, as evening approaches, I prepare for a restful night by powering down electronics well before bed. This minimizes blue light exposure, which is known to disrupt the natural production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, ensuring better sleep quality.

2. Stay Active with Indoor Movement 🏋️‍♀️

Despite the tendency to become more sedentary as the chill sets in, maintaining regular exercise is vital to keeping our energy high. To combat the sometimes dreary weather, I find joy in indoor activities that not only keep me moving but also bring me warmth and comfort. Whether it’s a rejuvenating yoga session or an invigorating weightlifting workout, finding an indoor regimen that I enjoy ensures that I stay committed to daily movement.

3. Nourishing Foods for Comfort and Wellness 🥣

The body’s dietary needs can shift with the changing temperatures. During the cooler months of late fall, I gravitate toward foods that embody warmth and nourishment. This means swapping out cold salads for hearty stews and soups, which are not only comforting but also provide the fuel my body needs during this time. Cooking becomes a meditative and creative process, allowing me to connect with the season through the flavors and ingredients I choose.

Tuning In to the Rhythms of the Season

Late fall is the perfect time to observe and listen to the subtleties of your body’s needs. Just as nature adapts, so too should our routines to support our well-being. If tuning into the rhythm of the seasons is new for you, start by looking at these three areas—light exposure, physical movement, and diet—and consider what minor changes could make a significant impact.

Whether it’s getting more sunlight during shorter days, adding indoor exercises to stay active, or eating seasonally appropriate foods, honoring these natural shifts can make all the difference in maintaining your vitality.

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Feel Less Burned Out with Intentional Rest

Do you ever get to the end of the day and feel completely fried—or worse, “wired but tired”? Your nervous system may be crying out for help. Many of us push through our days on autopilot, caught in a cycle of go-go-go until we crash. Society has normalized this pace, but the truth is, our bodies—and especially our nervous systems—aren’t designed to run without breaks. The Role of Intentional Rest Intentional rest is the antidote to burnout. It’s not about waiting until you’re exhausted to collapse; it’s about building restorative pauses into your day. These small breaks act as a “reset button” for your nervous system, helping you stay balanced and energized. How to Incorporate Intentional Rest Intentional rest can look different for everyone. The key is finding what works for you and sticking with it. Here are a few simple ideas to get started: ✨ Stretch Every Hour:Set a timer or reminder to get up from your desk once an hour. Stretch your body, move around, and release tension that may be building up. ✨ Practice Deep Breathing:Take two minutes to close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breaths. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel calm and centered. ✨ Take a Mini Recharge Break:Use an extra five minutes during your lunch break to sit in your car, listen to music, or simply enjoy some quiet time. Why It Matters Your nervous system is constantly responding to your environment—processing inputs, managing stress, and keeping you functioning. Without intentional rest, it gets stuck in overdrive, leading to feelings of exhaustion, irritability, and overwhelm. By scheduling rest breaks into your day, you give your nervous system the space it needs to regulate and recover. What’s Your Experience? Have you tried building intentional rest into your day? If so, what worked for you? If not, consider starting with one small change, like a two-minute breathing exercise or an hourly stretch. Over time, these small efforts can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of each day. Book a call today to start your journey to a more vital and healthier you.

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The Power of Intentional Rest for Your Nervous System

Do you often end your day feeling completely drained, or worse, “wired but tired”? This state—where your nervous system is running on high but you have no energy left—is a sign that your body isn’t getting the rest it needs throughout the day. Our modern culture glorifies busyness, pushing us to go non-stop. But here’s the reality: your nervous system wasn’t designed to operate like that. Without intentional breaks to reset, you risk burning out physically, mentally, and emotionally. Why Intentional Rest Matters Intentional rest isn’t about waiting until you’re utterly exhausted to collapse on the couch. It’s about consciously scheduling small moments of rest during your day to allow your nervous system to reset and regulate. When you pause, even briefly, you signal to your body that it’s safe to slow down. These moments of rest reduce stress, improve focus, and help you end your day with more energy and balance. Easy Ways to Incorporate Intentional Rest Rest doesn’t have to mean lying down for hours. It can be woven into your routine in simple, practical ways: ✨ Stretch Regularly:Set a timer to get up from your desk every hour. Stretch your body or take a short walk to release tension and shift your energy. ✨ Breathe:Take a moment to close your eyes and practice deep breathing for two minutes. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel calm and grounded. ✨ Lunch Break Recharge:Use a few extra minutes during your lunch break to relax. Sit in your car, close your eyes, or listen to calming music—whatever helps you reset. Make Rest a Non-Negotiable The key to effective intentional rest is scheduling it into your day like any other priority. Think of these moments as a “reset button” for your nervous system, preventing the buildup of stress and exhaustion. By making rest a routine, you’ll feel less fried and more resilient by the end of the day. Book a call today to start your journey to a more vital and healthier you.

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Melissa Trotman, owner of Vital You Functional Medicine based in Annapolis, Maryland, talking with a patient about their chronic symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment options within functional medicine and her practice.