The bank holidays have come and gone, which officially marks the end of summer in the non-astronomical calendar. Students are preparing to go back to school and us adults, well it does feel like it’s time to put ourselves into a different mental gear.
I always enjoy the change of seasons and a London autumn is one of my favourite times of year. The Indian season we tend to get in September (fingers crossed!) allow a gradual shift from the blistering heat to a gentle warmth. A good sun soak in the day followed by the breeze that needs a cardigan in the evenings has got to be one of life’s best rewards.
Everyone is still feeling good from the mental and physical glow of the summer and there is no hectic anticipation that other times of the year may bring. Without a curriculum schedule, it can be easy to lose that tingling feeling of a new start and what a shame that is. Make this September your new January by bringing forward your resolutions.
I highly encourage starting something new now rather than wait till the dreary month of January. Whether it’s a new nutritional plan, physical activity or a new skill – it is always more pleasant to begin something while the days are themselves more pleasant. That new activity or mental adjustment naturally becomes a part of your day when you aren’t trying to fight the cold or the grumpiness that can set in around you.
Now that the heat has eased up, make sure you continue to drink lots of water or herbal teas. The autumn season in Chinese medicine is characterised by dryness, just like the leaves on trees will soon dry up and fall. Those of you sensitive to this period will find that you will get an itchy or sore, dry throat with no cough. Moisten with a simple lemon and honey drink. For others, you may feel your skin start to feel dry and itchy – rose water will help soothe while staying gentle. This may continue later into the winter season when central heating comes on, signaling you to switch to a richer moisturiser.
There is still time to enjoy the last of the summer vegetables and salads but slowly introduce nourishing foods that are still light, such as a lovely fish soup – throw in more carrots than you think you need. If you’re feeling adventurous, put in a good handful of goji berries right at the end (last five minutes) to add that little bit more of yin tonic. When you use goji berries like this in a soup, you don’t have to worry about overdoing it as in an infusion. You could drink this every day if you were inclined to make it every day!