Tag Archives: fall

Oct 16, 2022

Fall Fruit Ideas – Oh My!

by dphealer Nutrition

Two of the most popular superfood fruits to enjoy in the fall are apples and pears. They are both loaded with vitamins and nutrients, have a sweet flavor for healthier desserts,
and even go great in more savory dishes. Here are some a few ways to incorporate them into your fall diet.

Add to a Smoothie

This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to use apples and pears in your fall foods. Add one or both sweetening’s and any type of [green] vegetable smoothie to reduce the tart, sour or bitter taste. But don’t stop with apples and pears, throw in a banana, a cup of yogurt, and your preferred milk of choice.

Make a Fruit Salad

If you enjoy salads as a way to add in more superfoods and eat healthier at the same time, don’t be afraid to add some fruit to it. It gives it a light, crisp flavor that is great during this time of year. When adding fruit, a vinaigrette is usually the best type of dressing, or you can just make your own by combining olive oil with a little lemon juice and honey if you want to sweeten it up. Another superfood you can consider is kale, nuts, and cranberries, right alongside your sliced pears and apples.

Sautéed Fruit

This turns your chosen superfood into a type of dessert that is light and sugar-free, aside from the natural sugars within the fruit itself. You can go with just apples and pears or mix and match with other fall fruits as well. If desired, you can use coconut butter or cashew butter instead of regular butter, for a nuttier flavor. Sautee on low heat some coconut oil with a little sea salt and cinnamon.

Apple and Pear Butter

Apple butter is a very popular choice in the fall, as it is perfect for topping your cookies, muffins, scones, or even toast. You might even consider going one step further adding in pears. It can be made using a slow cooker. If you want, you can also mix in some pumpkin, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and other fall spices like ginger and cloves.

Oct 16, 2022

Why Anxiety and Depression Can Get Worse in the Fall

by dphealer Emotional Well-Being,Health Conditions,Yoga/Meditation

While fall is the favorite season among many people, others struggle with it because of how it affects their mental health. You might be one of the unlucky people who have a hard time with your emotional state in the fall, dealing with worsened anxiety and depression. Here is more information about why this might happen and what you can do about it.

What is Autumn Anxiety?

The first mental health change you might notice in the fall season is your anxiety. Many people have noticed that their anxiety seems to peak around the start of the season; others after “falling back an hour” – but why? This is sometimes referred to as autumn anxiety, a type of anxiety that is triggered by the fall season. This is because the change between summer and fall can often feel like a drastic one. Your days get shorter, the weather changes, your routine is different, holidays are coming up, and it just feels like everything is different and more stressful.

Dealing with Seasonal Depression

You might also be someone who has worsened depression in the fall, which can happen for a number of different reasons. However, the most common cause is from seasonal affective disorder, (or SAD). SAD is often the result of the changing seasons, particularly with the gloomier, darker, colder, and rainy weather common during the fall and winter, then you are likely to get it this time of year. Unfortunately, it can give you all the same symptoms as other forms of depression, including mood changes, low energy, lack of motivation, lethargy, and simply feeling blue.

What You Can Do About It

While it can be difficult getting through the fall season with anxiety and/or depression, you are not alone, and there IS help available to you. Here are some ways to get relief from your anxiety and depression this season:

Light therapy for SAD – If you suffer from SAD, one of the best options for you is light therapy.  Naturally, light therapy, called phototherapy, is the way to go. There are a host of “light boxes” you can use indoors to provide a bright light during the day to reduce your symptoms.

Writing in a Journal

Journaling is a simple daily practice that can help with minor forms of anxiety and depression.

Practicing your breathing (or meditation) exercises – Breathing exercises are quite helpful when dealing with anxiety. Being consciously aware of your breathing allows you to be mindful for a few minutes, toward focusing your attention on intentionally relaxing your mind and body. This method is a fantastic option for getting through a panic attack.

Seeking professional help – If your symptoms become unbearable especially if you fear leaving your home, please do not hesitate to reach out to your licensed medical professional – family doctor, or psychologist if in need of medication or talk therapy. There is so much they can help you with when your anxiety or depression becomes too much to handle. If your symptoms are more of a nuisance, then consider us for your spiritual life or holistic wellness coaching, or even private yoga sessions to help you hold it together until Spring. 😉

Oct 16, 2022

Why Anxiety and Depression Can Get Worse in the Fall

by dphealer Emotional Well-Being,Health Conditions,Yoga/Meditation

While fall is the favorite season among many people, others struggle with it because of how it affects their mental health. You might be one of the unlucky people who have a hard time with your emotional state in the fall, dealing with worsened anxiety and depression. Here is more information about why this might happen and what you can do about it.

What is Autumn Anxiety?

The first mental health change you might notice in the fall season is your anxiety. Many people have noticed that their anxiety seems to peak around the start of the season; others after “falling back an hour” – but why? This is sometimes referred to as autumn anxiety, a type of anxiety that is triggered by the fall season. This is because the change between summer and fall can often feel like a drastic one. Your days get shorter, the weather changes, your routine is different, holidays are coming up, and it just feels like everything is different and more stressful.

Dealing with Seasonal Depression

You might also be someone who has worsened depression in the fall, which can happen for a number of different reasons. However, the most common cause is from seasonal affective disorder, (or SAD). SAD is often the result of the changing seasons, particularly with the gloomier, darker, colder, and rainy weather common during the fall and winter, then you are likely to get it this time of year. Unfortunately, it can give you all the same symptoms as other forms of depression, including mood changes, low energy, lack of motivation, lethargy, and simply feeling blue.

What You Can Do About It

While it can be difficult getting through the fall season with anxiety and/or depression, you are not alone, and there IS help available to you. Here are some ways to get relief from your anxiety and depression this season:

Light therapy for SAD – If you suffer from SAD, one of the best options for you is light therapy.  Naturally, light therapy, called phototherapy, is the way to go. There are a host of “light boxes” you can use indoors to provide a bright light during the day to reduce your symptoms.

Writing in a Journal

Journaling is a simple daily practice that can help with minor forms of anxiety and depression.

Practicing your breathing (or meditation) exercises – Breathing exercises are quite helpful when dealing with anxiety. Being consciously aware of your breathing allows you to be mindful for a few minutes, toward focusing your attention on intentionally relaxing your mind and body. This method is a fantastic option for getting through a panic attack.

Seeking professional help – If your symptoms become unbearable especially if you fear leaving your home, please do not hesitate to reach out to your licensed medical professional – family doctor, or psychologist if in need of medication or talk therapy. There is so much they can help you with when your anxiety or depression becomes too much to handle. If your symptoms are more of a nuisance, then consider us for your spiritual life or holistic wellness coaching, or even private yoga sessions to help you hold it together until Spring. 😉