Seasonal Shifts: How to Support Your Body During Seasonal Changes with Rest & Nourishment

As we transition into autumn, the world around us begins its inevitable shift. The leaves turn golden, the air cools, and nature slows down. This seasonal shift isn’t just happening outside—it’s happening within us too. Our bodies, like the Earth, are attuned to these natural cycles, and if we listen closely, we can hear the subtle call to slow down, rest, and reset.

Recently, my family and I were hit hard by the Norovirus, a virus no mother welcomes into her home. It swept through our household, leaving my son, husband, and myself totally wiped out. As unpleasant as it was, this virus was also a sharp reminder of the seasonal transition underway—a time when our bodies are naturally more vulnerable, and when we’re called to stop and take care of ourselves.

There’s a powerful lesson in the rhythm of the seasons. Autumn teaches us to let go, to shed what no longer serves us, just as the trees release their leaves. And as mothers, so often caught up in the endless demands of life, we can forget that our bodies are asking us to do the same.

How to Support Your Body During Autumn’s Transition

Autumn is a season of change, a time for our bodies to prepare for the slower, quieter months ahead. By tuning into nature’s rhythm, we can support ourselves in the most nourishing ways.

1. Keep Your Vitamin D Levels in Check

As the sunlight fades, so do our Vitamin D levels. This essential vitamin doesn’t just keep our bones strong—it supports our immune system and helps maintain energy levels. With shorter days, now is the time to consider a supplement or incorporate foods like mushrooms, oily fish and eggs. Don’t let the darker days catch you off guard; your body needs this boost to stay resilient.

2. Elevate Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is a natural defender, working to strengthen your immune system and reduce the severity of seasonal bugs. Incorporate fresh, vibrant foods into your diet—think citrus fruits, peppers, and leafy greens. These small but powerful changes in your nutrition can help you stay ahead of the game.

3. Don’t Forget Hydration

As the air cools, it’s easy to neglect hydration, but your body still needs it. Herbal teas, warm broths, and simply increasing your water intake can help your body detoxify and function at its best. Ginger, lemon, and chamomile teas not only hydrate but soothe, bringing comfort to your body as it adjusts.

4. Embrace the Power of Rest

If there’s one thing we often resist, it’s rest. But when seasonal bugs like Norovirus hit, they serve as a clear message from your body: it’s time to slow down. Carving out time for rest, saying no when necessary, and truly honouring your body’s need to recover is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. As mothers, we often put everyone else first, but in these moments, we must prioritise our own wellbeing.

5. Nourish with Warming, Grounding Foods

Our bodies naturally crave warmth as the temperature drops. Hearty soups, stews, and roasted vegetables not only satisfy but also support your immune system. Add grounding, immune-boosting herbs like garlic, turmeric, and ginger to your meals, and feel the deep nourishment that autumnal foods provide.

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Autumn is a season of transition, not just for the Earth, but for us as well. As we let go of the energy of summer, we can take this time to reset—both physically and emotionally. The seasonal bugs that come with this shift, while unwelcome, serve as reminders that our bodies need time to cleanse, recover, and renew. It’s in these moments, as uncomfortable as they may be, that we’re invited to release what no longer serves us and create space for what’s to come.

A Gift for You: Yoga Nidra for Balance and Calm

As we welcome autumn’s slower pace, I’d love to offer you a gift to support your rest and wellbeing. Download a free Yoga Nidra track, recorded during my latest class in London. It’s designed to help you find balance and stillness during this time of transition. This practice from the Autumn Equinox is all about aligning with the cycles of nature and restoring your inner harmony.

As the season changes, take this opportunity to slow down, nourish your body, and honour the natural cycles that guide us toward balance and renewal. You deserve it.