I love fall—the beautiful colors, falling leaves and cooler temperatures—however the shorter days can require a mental adjustment. My prescription is to be proactive. Here’s my plan this year:

Keep a positive mindset. Celebrate the beauty of fall, rather than lamenting the shorter days and closed windows. Make it a priority to participate in outdoor events and activities and take daily walks out in nature, even if you’re busy.

Stay hydrated to stay healthy. Cooked foods can be dehydrating, so while it’s great to enjoy warmer foods like squash soup and roasted root vegetables, keep eating lots of fruits, salads and raw veggies too. I enjoy watermelon smoothies all year, blended with fresh aloe and turmeric root. They don’t just hydrate; they’re also full of antioxidants and vitamins. Remember to drink water often, with a squeeze of lemon or lime. I recommend drinking 16 ounces of fresh celery juice every day as well. And because we’re entering flu season, make sure you take a good liquid zinc sulfate supplement daily to support your immune system.

Spend your time, effort and money doing things that create wellness, rather than searching for illness. After all, bloodwork is just a snapshot of the chemicals in your blood at a given moment in time, and some medical tests actually introduce new toxins into your body. On the other hand, lymphatic drainage massage—the most relaxing massage I’ve ever experienced—moves lymph around the body to help you detox. From that deep state of relaxation, your body can repair itself. No pill will ever match the body’s own amazing ability to heal.         

Bodywork is the ideal prescription for wellness, especially for those who are overscheduled or just plain stressed. Massage therapy, CranioSacral Therapy and reflexology can reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, lower blood pressure and ease depression, in addition to reducing pain. This month we feature info on these types of natural therapies. Please read “Age-Defying Bodywork: How to Turn Back the Clock,” on page 32, and “Spinal Solutions: Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results,” on page 30. Then learn about local bodywork practitioners and their specialties on pages 35 through 39.

Community is important, as we are about to enter the more isolating months of winter. Make the most of the fall holidays by visiting friends and relatives, or attend group gatherings to make new friends. Get your social circles going now: Use our calendar, starting on page 54, to find activities, or visit our new website, WakeUpNaturally.com, to find additional events, local resources and past articles. The website is now up and running with more photo galleries, directories and community sponsors to come.

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Natural Awakenings. Take care of yourself, and enjoy the fall!

Marilee