It's time for cooler months and rain against the window – a delightful setting to cozy up indoors but so much harder to keep up the motivation we all had more of over summer. However, how much motivation and activity do we need to keep up? Does it feel right? Changing seasons make a great time to reevaluate what is or isn't working.
Changing Diet with the Seasons
As the weather shifts and the skies unleash their rainy charms, our bodies tend to crave heartier, warmer meals. In most traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Thai Medicine, cooked and warming foods are far more appropriate during colder seasons than raw, lighter meals. Embrace the bounty of the season by incorporating more soups, stews, and roasted vegetables into your daily meals. Opt for nutrient-packed foods like dark leafy greens, seasonal fruits, and whole grains to keep your energy levels up and your immunity strong. Season your meals with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, chilis and black pepper. Drink delicious teas, or even just a mug of hot water!
Motivation to Get Your Body Moving
During the summer it feels easy to get outside. The days are longer, too, so it feels like there's more time. But what about now? Are you spending more time on the sofa? Is it easier to rationalise not taking that after-dinner walk in the dark? Are you taking the tram, bus or car more often instead of jumping on that bicycle, because you don't want to wear your rain gear and get all sweaty? We all balance these choices, I think!
If work allows it, maybe make time over your lunch break for an outside break? That doubles as a little vitamin D if the sun's out, and it's great for your mental health just to see the sky during daylight hours, even if it's gray and cloudy.
Feeling stuck indoors? Opt for the daylight to tackle your to-dos for a burst of energy! Need to grab a package? Seize the day and make it a quick daytime jaunt. Having a phone call that doesn't need your desk? Take it on a refreshing walk! Tired of lunching in a dim office or at your desk? Find a spot by the window or head to a covered outdoor area for a change of scenery!
Remember, we all know that if you carry your rain gear everywhere you won't need it (kidding, but it feels like it sometimes). So get used to it! Don't have rain gear for your bicycle? Go get some!! Quality rain gear with ventilation can get costly, but a simple cheap poncho will help a lot in a pinch.
Just so you know, if you show up for your massage with wet shoes, wet pants, or a wet coat, no worries. I've got a shoe dryer and a wetsuit dryer, so you'll have dry clothes to slip back into after your appointment!
Getting Sick Happens
As the weather changes, we're entering the season of colds, flu, and COVID-19. I take extra care to keep my practice illness-free, so please remember: don't come in for your massage if someone at home is feeling under the weather. If they're sick, chances are you might be too, even if you're not showing symptoms yet.
I send out appointment reminders the day before at 8 am, giving you plenty of notice. If you or a household member is unwell, just shoot me a reply, and we'll easily reschedule. My schedule is pretty flexible, so no worries there.
And just so you know, the same rules apply to me and my household. If one of us is sick, I'll reschedule your appointment.
From next week, I'll start sending out a reminder five days ahead about household illnesses, making things even smoother for everyone.
Regarding cancellations, the policy is simple: cancel within 24 hours, and it's a 50% charge. No-shows without any notice will be charged in full.
Want to stay updated on any last-minute openings? Just share your phone number, and I'll add you to my WhatsApp broadcast group. It's a one-way street for updates, no chatting involved - just a heads-up if there's an available slot.