''Change is not something we should be afraid of. On the contrary, it is something we should welcome. “Without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever be what he was meant to be,” said Indian yoga guru Iyengar. So what were these changes? Our body, our soul, our mind, our poses, our clothes are perhaps the seasons. Yes, you heard right, seasons! Although seasons are seen as just earth movements, the truth is much more than that. Seasons create change in every area, from our body to our mind.
These changes are to prepare us for winter beyond autumn. Now it's time to examine these changes that the universe offers us...
The Change that Autumn Creates in Our Mind and Body
During autumn, the days become shorter and we are exposed to less sunlight. This can disrupt our body's rhythm and harm our sleep patterns. These days, our body's need for sleep increases compared to other times, and this increase can create imbalance and fatigue in our body.
Lack of sunlight can create depression-like symptoms in many people. If you feel like you don't have enough energy, feel blue, or experience an increase in negative thoughts, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). During this seasonal transition period, you should get as much sunlight as possible and benefit from the miraculous plants that nature offers you. These small changes you make will have a positive effect on your body beyond your expectations.
Autumn is the harbinger of winter. During the winter months, our body's immunity may decrease and we may be more susceptible to diseases. During this period, we must pay attention to everything, from the clothes we wear to the food we consume. You should consume immune-boosting vegetables and fruits; We should avoid heavy oil products.
You should be kind to yourself in the fall, just as you should be in every season. in your body
and you must accept this change in your mind and embrace autumn! You can enter a small detox program to follow this change closely and adapt easily.
What is Detox?
Detox is a short-term program designed to eliminate toxins accumulated in the body, especially needed during seasonal transitions. Detox is not just for losing weight. Detox can be thought of as a short-term cleansing program. Detox programs aim to relax your digestive system. For this reason, you should implement a program supported by physical movements rather than a detox with only nutrition.
Foods to Avoid During Detox
- carbonated drinks
- Caffeine and caffeinated products
- sugary foods
- saturated fats
- Alcohol
- prepared foods
- Frying
- Salt
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
Autumn Detox in Yoga
Autumn is perhaps one of the most ideal seasons to detox! Because during this seasonal transition, Vata Dosha becomes active in our body. The more we can control Vata Dosha, which represents the principle of action; We can adapt our body to this seasonal change so easily. If you are wondering what Vata Dosha means, you can read our article titled The Importance of Autumn, the Season of Transformation, for Yoga and find your own Dosha!
In autumn detoxes; Fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots, dates, beets and celery should decorate our plate. To hydrate the body from the inside out, autumn meals should be made with plenty of water, more butter and olive oil should be used, and legumes and grains should be left more hydrated.
As with any nutrition program, how much should you starve yourself? nor should you be filled until you are full. You should take care to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. In addition to this whole diet, now is the time to add movement to your body!
Meditation
Autumn is the season of sadness. From external transformations on the hot days of summer; It is the season of turning inward towards the cold days of winter. Therefore, you can start meditating routinely for 20-25 minutes every day. While the unique scent of the fallen leaves in autumn mixes with the smell of the smoking fire in winter; You can get this scent from Palo Santo Incense , where you can feel it most closely , and turn your practice into a unique experience.
Yoga
Yoga practices are a purification method that calms the mind and body. In addition to increasing your muscle flexibility, yoga also relaxes your internal organs and soul. Doing yoga in the autumn will help you achieve the relaxation and calmness you want. During this period, you should take care to practice calmer poses, rest for a long time and perform calm movements.
Every leaf that falls in autumn; May it return to you as hope, joy and joy, with love...
Namaste!
