Autumn traditionally represents the time of harvest. Ask yourself, “What has come from those seeds planted in spring and summer when the sun, the blossoming flowers and summer grasses beckoned and it was easy to get out and exercise?” Now, as autumn’s days grow shorter and winter’s chill looms, you may long to curl up indoors with some hot tea and a good book, and your exercise routines may lag.
In nature, many animals make plans to hibernate while others have packed away food and have increased body fat in anticipation of shortages during the winter months that lie ahead. As the season changes, there is a tendency to slow down a bit and you may even put on extra body weight. You will also notice yourself beginning to either feel a sense of frustration or feel the “blahs.” You can quickly change this by releasing thoughts and emotions by moving your body.
If you move your body vigorously for even 1 minute, you’ll generate heat and circulation that will release negative emotions and replace them with positive emotions. Your body and mind function the most powerfully when you have hopeful, positive energy.
Try just 1 minute of resistance training, the type of exercise that builds muscle including push-ups, sit-ups, training with small free weights or yoga postures that require your body to move against resistance.
Managing your metabolism can be tricky. Check with your medical practitioner before you begin resistance training. Every person is different and is operating from varying levels of fitness and health, so there is no “one size fits all” advice on how best to do it.
Here’s where intention and intuition enter in: When you recognize the things that your body needs to function at optimal levels, you will better understand how to give yourself every advantage for maintaining health and energy, regardless of the season. Everything counts - the quality of the air you breathe, the food you eat, the stress and toxins you avoid, and the exercise and rest you give yourself. It all matters.
With the intention to give yourself every advantage and your own intuition to guide you, your wise choices will add up to greater wellness. Try this healthy, holistic approach toward managing your metabolism and your health through winter and beyond!