As we transition from the high energy of summer to the slower, more grounded pace of late summer, it’s essential to focus on both our physical and mental well-being. As a mom and holistic health practitioner, I know firsthand how busy and chaotic life can get, especially as we prepare for the back-to-school season. This is the perfect time to reset, recharge, and take care of yourself, and I’m here to share three essential tips to help you stay well during this late summer season.
1. Embrace the Power of Meditation
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay grounded during this transitional period is through meditation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), late summer is associated with the Earth element, which governs digestion and mental balance. This time of year is all about finding your center and staying grounded.
Taking just a few minutes each day to meditate can make a world of difference in how you feel. Meditation helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and keep you mentally clear, which is especially important as we navigate the changes that come with the end of summer.
Mom Hack: Finding time to meditate with a busy schedule can be tough, but even a short 5-minute meditation can be incredibly beneficial. Try squeezing it in first thing in the morning before the kids wake up or during those few minutes of quiet while waiting in the car during school pick-up. A few deep breaths and a moment of mindfulness can set a positive tone for your entire day.
Chinese Medicine Reminder: Let the season guide you. The Earth element is about finding your center, both mentally and physically. Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you stay grounded and balanced during this time of transition.
2. Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
As the seasons change, so should our diets. Late summer can often leave our digestive systems feeling a bit sluggish, especially after months of indulging in cold, raw foods and summer treats. Now is the time to shift your diet to more nourishing, easy-to-digest foods that support your body’s transition into the cooler months.
Focus on incorporating cooked vegetables, whole grains, and lightly spiced dishes into your meals. Foods like barley, mung beans, and leafy greens are particularly beneficial during this time as they help clear dampness and support digestion. Moving away from cold smoothies and salads to warming, nourishing foods can help your body adjust to the seasonal shift and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Mom Hack: Preparing meals ahead of time can be a game-changer, especially during busy times. Try batch cooking a big pot of barley or a hearty soup on the weekend that you can reheat during the week. This not only saves time but also ensures you and your family are eating nourishing meals that support your digestive health.
Chinese Medicine Reminder: Our diet should reflect the changing seasons. As we transition out of summer, focus on warming, grounding foods that support your digestive system. This helps your body adjust and maintain balance, ensuring you stay healthy and energized.
3. Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Routine
Essential oils are a simple yet effective way to enhance your well-being, especially during this transitional season. Oils like orange and peppermint are perfect for calming the mind and uplifting your spirit. They can also help cool the body, which is particularly useful if you’re feeling overheated or stressed from the late summer heat.
You can use these oils in a diffuser, apply them topically, or even add a few drops to your bath. The aroma of these oils can help reduce mental stress, promote clarity, and bring a sense of calm, making them an excellent addition to your end-of-summer wellness routine.
Mom Hack: Keep a small roller bottle of essential oil in your purse or diaper bag. A quick swipe on your wrists or behind your ears can help you stay calm and centered, no matter where you are or what’s happening around you.
Chinese Medicine Reminder: Just as we align our food with the seasons, using essential oils that resonate with the Earth element can help harmonize your body and mind. Oils like orange, which is uplifting yet grounding, are perfect for this time of year.
End-of-Summer Acupressure Tips
In addition to these wellness tips, acupressure is another fantastic way to keep your energy balanced and your mind calm as we transition out of summer. Here are three powerful acupressure points that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine:
DU20: To locate this point, fold your ears in half and trace a line from the highest point of each ear up to the center of the top of your head. This is where you’ll find DU20. Press and hold it gently while taking deep breaths. This point is great for lifting your spirits and increasing alertness, helping to clear that sluggish feeling.
An Mian: You can find this point just behind your earlobe, in the soft area before your neck. Apply gentle pressure here if you’re having trouble sleeping or feeling restless. An Mian is excellent for calming the mind and improving sleep quality.
HT8: To locate this point, make a loose fist and see where the tip of your pinky finger lands on your palm. That’s HT8. This point helps cool the body and calm the mind, making it ideal for when you’re feeling overheated or mentally stressed.
These acupressure points are simple yet effective tools you can use anytime, anywhere to help keep your body and mind in balance during this seasonal transition.
Wrapping It Up
These three tips—meditation, nourishing foods, and essential oils—along with the powerful acupressure points, are simple ways to support your well-being as we transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the grounding energy of late summer. It’s all about finding balance, nurturing yourself, and staying grounded during this time of change.
At Calm San Diego, we’re here to help you navigate these transitions with ease. Whether you need acupuncture, herbal medicine, or just some guidance on how to stay balanced, our team is here for you. Let the wisdom of Chinese medicine guide you, and take this opportunity to focus on your health and well-being.
If you’re ready to take the next step, book a session with us today, and let’s work together to keep you feeling your best as we move into the new season.
Stay well and grounded,
XO, Angela
Founder of Calm San Diego
