Awesome Autumn... A Time to Stay Warm and Fuzzy

 Falling for Nature: Hello Autumn…I’ve Been Expecting You

By Cal Orey, M.A.

When the morning air is crisp enough to make your teeth chatter, my front yard morphs into a furry, feathered circus—busy squirrels, gossiping birds, Mr. Raccoon clocking in for early patrol and a feral cat fleeing down the street. Transitioning into fall is my annual cue to say goodbye to summer and kick my mind and body into gear before winter hits. Here’s my down-to-earth organic hacks to keep you warm and fuzzy as the seasons shift.

1. Grounding Mind & Space: Amber and Orange LED Lighting: Replace harsh overhead white lighting with warm-hued LED lighting like pumpkin candles to outdoor golden solar lights. How it works: Warm hues mimic the setting sun and flickering campfires. This visual change calms the nervous system by lowering cortisol levels and gives off a cozy vibe as the evenings grow darker earlier.

2. Nourishing the Body: Autumn Seasonings: Freshen up your old spices and herbs with new ones like cinnamon, ginger, thyme, and parsley. Add to cereals, soups, fish, and poultry. How it works: Warming herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial perks. As the air cools, these seasonings support immune health and help stave off seasonal viruses.

3. Restoring the Haven: Crisp Comforter & Fresh Duvet: Upgrade your sleep sanctuary with a new or cleaned comforter encased in a new duvet featuring grounding fall colors (forest green or warm taupe). How it works: Deep sleep is the ticket to good health. Research reveals that sleeping in a cooler comfy environment under a warm layer promotes ideal core body temperature essential for deep sleep. Plus, waking up surrounded by soft textures and earth tones reinforces a comforting happy place.

4. Tasting Nature’s Nectar: Infused Honeys: Local raw autumn-harvested honeys (such as buckwheat, wildflower, or orange blossom cinnamon-infused artisan varieties) are a wholesome natural sweetener. How it works: Raw honey contains trace local pollens and antioxidants that support respiratory health and soothe dry throats brought on by the dry indoor air. Less is more so you’ll savor the sweet and savory goodness of the golden gift in coffee and tea.

5. Boosting the Spirit: No Maintenance Faux Mums for the Yard and Deck: Arrange weather-resistant, vibrant faux autumn orange mums in rustic containers on your deck or entryway porch. How it works: Living spaces influence emotional well-being. Faux autumn florals provide a visual anchor of energy and warmth without the frustration of upkeep. Don’t forget a maple leaf and pumpkin wreath for your front door to welcome the autumn season.

…And Going Indoors for Cozy Comfort

During a past time or two, when I have traveled faraway and faced earthquakes to poor air quality, I later thought, “Should I have stayed home?” No location is immune to Mother Nature’s challenges, and I found myself longing for the familiar comforts of early autumn at home.

So, I’ve been creating a cozy vibe in my home. Here are four autumn-healthy foods and why they can dish a healing vibe—with promise of well-being and relaxation.

Kitchen: Pumpkins. How they are healthy: While not consumed in a decorative context, pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber when eaten. Their presence in the kitchen can inspire healthy cooking with pumpkin-based dishes. Healing Vibe: Their vibrant orange or white hue, and autumn shape give feelings of warmth, harvest, and coziness, making the kitchen feel inviting and ready for seasonal cooking. They symbolize abundance and the bounty of the season. Placement: On a kitchen island or countertop.

Living Room: Acorn Squash. How they are healthy. Acorn squash is a good source of vitamin C, warding off fall colds and flu. Healing Vibe: Its shape and dark green and orange skin with ribbed textures are pleasing and autumn-ish. Placing it in the living room adds a natural element that grounds the space and connects it to the outdoors, providing a sense of calm. Placement: On a coffee table, next to flameless LED candles or a cozy brown or gold colored throw is a super decorative touch.

Dining Room: Gourds: How they are healthy: Like pumpkins, gourds are decorative. Their health benefits inspire an organic link to natural foods. Healing Vibe: Gourds come in many shapes and colors, showing the beauty of the autumn harvest, encouraging warmth. Placement: On a dining table for an earthy effect.

Bathroom: Cinnamon Sticks: How they are healthy: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when eaten. Healing Vibe: The spicy aroma of cinnamon provides a serene spa-like atmosphere. Placement: Put in a decorate dish or tied with twine on a shelf. The bottom line: This is how you can roll this coming autumn to savor your haven.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available. Her website is http://www.calorey.com