Fall is a magical time.
I walk around in awe of the vibrant reds and oranges all around me and savor the warm days as I know they are numbered. Jeans and closed shoes still feel cozy rather then confining, like they start to by the end of winter.
Fall is also a hard time.
I’ve noticed a pattern over the last several years of autumns; fall makes me sick. Well, not really sick exactly but run-down. I need a lot of sleep in the fall. A month or two goes by of feeling a little under the weather but never actually getting sick.
Chock it up to the longer nights, change in pressure, change in temperature, allergies, or my own neurosis, whatever the reason, the result is a Faith moving in slow-mo. My workout goals have flown out the window and my new exercise goal is to move everyday. Yesterday that meant a low-key 30 minute ball and weights workout, Sunday it was a walk (not bad exercise but very minimal for me).
Recognizing this pattern of fledgling fall energy helps me accept it and work with it rather than against it. I slow down, head to bed earlier, slurp down immune boosting teas, and eat lots of greens to keep me healthy.
And I remember the magic of fall, including the amazing root vegetables at their prime.
Yellow beets and purple potatoes. 🙂
Winter squash and roots veg are definitely the best fall eats.
I steamed these bright, nutrient rich roots then tossed them with fresh chives, fresh tarragon, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of liquid aminos, and salt n’ pepper.
It was the perfect mix of summer and fall; cold, bright, and refreshing for the lingering warm weather yet hearty and comforting from the carby veggies.
Is your body aware of the transition from Summer to Fall? Do you, too, slow-down, sleep more, and feel a little foggy?
I am feeling exactly the same way! I was on my just-moved-to-Asheville and summertime-fun highs, and now those highs have worn off. It’s been cloudy and rainy too, and that hasn’t helped. I don’t know, I just feel so off!
Hope you got a gorgeous day today like we did up in Cville!
I always feel like this in the fall, but I seem to forget and it makes me feel like something is wrong. Nice to hear it’s normal!
Right back at you Kate-it’s nice to hear other people experience this as well!
My body is aware of the transition, but it works the opposite way. I live in Texas, and summers here are oppressively hot (and excessively dry or humid, depending on the region). There’s really nothing to love about it. During the summer I’m pretty much completely useless. Just walking outside for 20 seconds is enough to leave me completely without energy for a good hour and a half to two hours. In the fall, however, temperatures finally drop to safe-to-be-outside ranges (seriously, heat advisories are a serious issue), and sweater weather is always welcomed. I feel I can accomplish more in the fall. I’m stronger then. More energetic. More empowered. Summer in Texas is a life sucker.
I am glad you Texans are finally starting to catch a brake, I know it’s been a really hard summer. I am sending you lots of rainy, cool thoughts!
Thanks! We appreciate it! It was actually a little chilly this morning. Felt like this fall business people tell us about… 😉
looks so colorful but simple too! we are supposed to get a coldfront in Raleigh sometime soon- I can’t wait! 🙂
What a relief to read this post! I always have a hard time letting go of summer (here in SW Missouri). Even though fall is wonderful, I do require much more sleep and low-key exercise this time of year. Thought I was the only one 🙂