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As the seasons shift, I find it’s not just the world around us that changes, but also how our bodies and minds respond to these transitions. Over the years, I’ve developed a few practices that help me stay grounded and healthy through the cooler months. These include cold plunging, adding vitamin D + K supplements, and seasonal juice cleansing. Today, I’m sharing how these rituals have become essential in my life and how they can benefit anyone looking for balance during seasonal changes.
Cold Plunging: Tapping Into the Power of the Cold
I first started cold plunging in the fall of 2023, drawn to it through my practice of breathwork and meditation. The idea of controlling my nervous system through cold exposure fascinated me. It’s not just about the cold, but about how the combination of cold therapy and intentional breathing can help us manage stress, reset our bodies, and reconnect with ourselves.
During seasonal transitions, I try to incorporate cold plunging regularly. It's recommended to get about 11 minutes per week, but how you break that up can vary. For me, in the fall when the water is still bearable, I can meditate for 15-20 minutes in a single session. But as the water temperature drops, it becomes more challenging, and my sessions get shorter.
The benefits I experience go far beyond the physical boost. Sure, cold plunging gives me energy, mental clarity, and helps my immune system stay strong, but for me, it’s mainly about stress management. When I don't plunge during the summer, I really feel the absence of this practice and crave that reset it offers.
If you’re interested in starting cold plunging but feel hesitant, my advice is to make sure it comes from an intentional space. Cold therapy isn’t something to force yourself into. If the cold feels daunting, pair it with meditation and breathwork, as it can transform the experience and help you embrace it as a tool for grounding and changing the body’s oxygenation and chemical processes.
Vitamin D + K: A Boost When the Days Get Shorter
I began supplementing with vitamin D + K after conversations with Dr. Ryan Dopps, who I meet with during our 'Wellness Wednesday' sessions. Last year, I noticed my energy and mood were shifting, especially after long workdays inside. Production days can last over 12 hours, and with shorter daylight during the fall and winter months, it’s easy to get deprived of essential vitamins like D, which we usually get from the sun.
Since adding vitamin D + K to my routine, I’ve noticed a huge improvement, particularly in my energy levels at the end of the day. My mood has also lifted, which makes a big difference during those long, darker days of fall and winter. For someone like me, who is always moving and full of energy, maintaining those levels is vital for a happier and healthier life.
Our bodies store vitamin D, but during the colder months, when sunlight is scarce, we deplete that reserve faster than we can replenish it. That’s why supplementation is so important. If you’re feeling the effects of less sunlight, I highly recommend adding vitamin D to your routine. And if you’re unsure where to start, I can connect you with a reliable source through Dr. Ryan Dopps.
Seasonal Juice Cleansing: A Fresh Start for Each Season
Since starting 86 Cold Press, seasonal juice cleansing has been a cornerstone of my health routine. Just like the seasons themselves, our bodies go through cycles, and I believe it’s important to allow ourselves a reset as we transition from one to the next. While many people focus on cleansing between winter and spring, or spring into summer, I find that cleansing from summer into fall, and even fall into winter, is just as important.
Seasonal cleansing is unique because it helps address the specific challenges that come with each season. For example, fall brings not only cooler weather but also seasonal allergies, and our metabolism shifts as we move from eating lighter summer foods to heartier meals like squash and root vegetables. My go-to juice for seasonal cleanses is 'Root Down,' which is anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and contains ginger and turmeric to help with allergies and inflammation. It’s perfect for the fall and a key part of my reset routine.
As the days get shorter and my active hours decrease, I notice how my body responds to seasonal changes in my diet and energy levels. Juice cleansing allows me to check in with my health, giving my system a chance to reset and adjust to the new season. It’s a way to help my body shift naturally, rather than forcing it through the seasonal changes.
Find Balance Through Seasonal Rituals
As we move into the cooler months, these personal practices—cold plunging, vitamin D + K supplements, and seasonal juice cleansing—have become invaluable to my routine. They help me manage stress, maintain energy, and support my body’s natural cycles as we transition through the seasons. Whether you're interested in trying one of these practices or incorporating them all, the most important thing is to listen to your body and give it what it needs during these times of change.
The seasons are a reminder that change is inevitable, but with the right tools, we can navigate them with grace and resilience.
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