Discover how Wendy's approach to tuning into nature’s cycles can enhance our well-being and mindfulness. This month, we have the opportunity to honor the slower pace of winter, take time for rest, and align our lifestyle with the natural rhythms around us. Read on to find out practical tips and insights on how to integrate these seasonal changes into your daily life for improved health and balance.
Meet Wendy Serrano
A Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
After 10 years working in the fast-paced, glamorous, 24/7 PR and social media world, (hello burnout) Wendy Serrano is now a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, advocating for slow-paced living, mindfulness and holistic health. Wendy works with her clients, empowering them to find the foods and lifestyle practices that work best for them, with a strong holistic approach. Her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (based in NYC) has helped her lead with a bio-individual and multi-dimensional coaching style, helping her clients set and stick to new goals, make change, and provide unbiased support no matter where they are on their wellness journey.
Welcome to August
Live Within The SeasonsWelcome to August - the final month of winter. You can feel the leaves are slowly turning. If you look closely, there are bursts of spring and new life, however, slow and steady always wins the race and while you can feel the change in the air, it’s still just as important to tune in and honour the season we are currently in.
Living seasonally is just that - living in a harmonious balance and pace with the changing seasons throughout the year. It’s no coincidence our lives are so closely intertwined with nature. Nature is constantly showing us how to live our lives and flow with the seasons, cycles and rhythms of our daily existence.
By tuning into the natural circle of life, we can find ourselves adjusting to the natural pace and pattern of the world around us while increasing our overall well being and mindfulness.
It’s an opportunity to hone in to our intuition and honouring our needs - yes, this is your permission to rest and sleep in a little longer during this final cooler month!
In the winter, everything slows down, the trees are bare, there is more darkness than light, and before you know it, spring rolls around…and just like that, everything sprouts through again. As this change applies to the world around us, we can apply this concept of seasonal living to ourselves for optimum health, radiance and vitality.
Aligning with Winter
Stay Home and Enjoy More Rest:
While we no longer need to traditionally “hibernate” to survive, winter is still the time to slow down, conserve energy, and prioritise stillness and quiet. There are lower light levels throughout the day—ignoring this and living out of sync with our circadian rhythms may lead to burnout. Just like winter, it’s a time for growth, introspection, and energy renewal before spring and summer. Enjoy the extra sleep or cuddles at home.
Keep Your Body Warm:
It might go without saying, but just like animals retreat into the warmth of their dens during harsh winter cold, it’s crucial for us to keep our bodies warm and protected from the elements. As it is peak Yin (more cold), balance it with Yang (warmth). Rug up, maintain a warm body temperature, and get cozy. Keep your feet, neck, and lower back warm, especially when outdoors! It’s a perfect time to settle in, have an early night, and get ready for bed with Sleep Well.
Eat Seasonally:
Ever wondered why there is a surplus of oranges (full of Vitamin C) and berries (Vitamin C and antioxidants) during winter? Nature knows our bodies and immune system need extra nourishment and support throughout the colder months. Stay warm by eating more cooked foods than raw (or at least make sure they’re above room temperature), and use spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, clove, and cayenne pepper to warm things up. Think hearty, warm, and nutritious—slow-cooked is better. Also, try stews, soups, casseroles, and porridge!
Turn Your Attention Inward:
Winter is all about inward expression of energy. Much like how nature around us seems barren, all its energy is withdrawn into the core of the earth… hibernating, regenerating, and waiting patiently to sprout again. You might find your energy naturally more depleted—and that’s completely normal! It’s a great time for introspection, learning how to meditate, or taking that warm yoga class. Spend quality time with yourself, your loved ones, and your family. Share nourishing meals, keep warm, and enjoy the slower pace of life during this season.
Choose Gentle, Slower Exercise:
In TCM, every season correlates with an element. Winter is associated with the water element. Since it’s important to stay warm, I am not suggesting an ice bath or jumping in the pool—perhaps a nice walk along the beach on a sunny winter’s day will do the trick. Just like water, think about “fluid” type movements. Tai chi, qi gong, yoga, or even dancing. Think long, sweeping movements that flow like a river. Remember, snow is a form of water too. It’s a great time for skiing, heading to the mountains, or ice skating—but don’t forget to stay warm!
Lastly, I leave you with this: We don’t expect flowers to bloom constantly, so why do we expect it from ourselves? If you’re going through a hard time now, feeling more tired than usual, or a little more “flat,” please know that things will change. The sprouts will start to come through, and you will bloom and grow again. You will feel bright, sprightly, and like sunshine radiating through the summer air!
Slow down with Sleep Well
By integrating Sleep Well into your restorative routine, this will soothe your nervous system and foster a calm state of mind, encouraging your body to stay relaxed and in deep sleep.
Written by Wendy Serrano
