The Fifth Season: Wellness Tips For Late Summer

Somewhere in Sycamore Illinois. September 14, 2021

By Luke Bujarski

Chinese medicine considers Late Summer a separate season - and with good reason.

The quality of your mental and physical health is greatly affected by the synchronicities of nature. This is the perfect time of year to think dynamically about how to align your mindset, exercise routine, diet, and self-care rituals with the seasons.

Below are some of the things that you can do to maintain a more balanced life during this period of transition - according to some very ancient and fundamental principles.

Winds of Change

Late Summer is observed as the period between the third week of August until the fall equinox on September 22nd (in 2021).

Weather patterns are shifting, particularly for those living in northern climates. The evenings and mornings cool down, as the days give into longer nights.

Nature comes into full maturity. The trees and other foliage ripen, baring fruit to sow for the hibernation that is to come. The landscape changes as the vibrant greens of Spring and Summer take on an earther tone.

Those living in farming communities will also take note of the coming harvest.

Late Summer also marks the commencement of school and the end of leisure travel. Your work volume might also pick up, as economic activity settles into a brisk tempo.

Late Summer Mindset

A balanced mindset, particularly during these transitionary periods, will go a long way towards your overall well-being into the Fall and Winter.

During Late Summer, feelings of sympathy, worry, and nostalgia can manifest into over-thinking and anxiety. This is an ideal time for centering, simplicity, and quiet reflection. Practice optimism, positivity, and letting go during these months.

There is a latent effect when it comes to stress (in the general sense) and its impact on your health. In short, stress today causes illness tomorrow; our emotions can get overwhelmed as seasons change.

Think good thoughts.

Embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Recognize that there are external and internal factors at play when it comes to your happiness.

You can also complement your self-care routine with acupuncture as a way to support your psycho-emotional health.

Finally, set aside time to inspire yourself.

Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual or carve out a moment during your lunch break to reflect on your passions or on the things that spark joy.

Late Summer Movement & Exercise

It is important to keep the blood moving during this time of year, to clear out tendencies toward excessive thinking.

You might want to shift some of your exercise routine from the more intensive, outward focused activities of summer e.g. running, weight lifting, and intensive cardio classes toward more inward focused activities that clam the mind.

Take long walks, cycle, start swimming, connect with friends and family via local outdoor group activities. This is the time to start or deepen your yoga practice.

The right level of intensity in postures and sequence will allow you to release stored emotions, while strengthening the subtle energies that dictate your metabolic processes.

Late Summer Diet

You should generally adjust your diet to the seasons. Late Summer is the perfect time to focus on eating nourishing foods, and creating time to connect with close friends and family around healthy eating.

Choose smart sugars that won’t clog up your digestion including apples, carrots, dates, figs, grapes, peaches, pears, sweet potatoes and squash.

The health and strength of your digestion becomes increasingly important during the colder months, when physical activity levels tend to slow down.

With the cooler weather, start incorporating warm caffeine-free beverages including herbal teas or simple elixirs of honey, lemon, and ginger - particularly in the morning before your first meal, to help strengthen digestion and reduce inflammation.

In addition to diet, herbal medicine will help boost digestive function and immune health. You can try one of our custom herbal formulas or off-the-shelf supplements available in our pharmacy.

Late Summer can be a fulfilling time of year. Align your mindset, exercise, and diet with the natural rhythms of nature for healthier and happier you.

Don’t know where to begin? Schedule a free consultation and work with us to achieve more vibrant health.