The Autumn Equinox: Rituals of Rest for a Seasonal Reset
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Autumn Afternoon, the Wissahickon (1864) by Thomas Moran (Image from Wikipedia)
Today marks the annual Autumn Equinox, a moment in nature’s symmetry when daytime and nighttime are perfectly balanced before the nights begin to draw out longer than the days in the fall season to come. With this harmony of day and night, we invite you to celebrate the changing seasons through these rituals of gratitude, balance, and preparation for the cozier months ahead.
1. Rest and rise with the sun
Cooler temperatures and less daylight naturally create an environment conducive to better rest. Bedroom temperatures of around 60-70 degrees are ideal for helping you fall and stay asleep. Additionally, less light exposure signals our bodies to create more melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating your circadian rhythm and making you feel sleepy. Follow the natural rhythms of fall and adapt your schedule for earlier bedtimes and deeper rest.
2. Nourish your body with warming nutrients
Ward off any ailments that the change of seasons can bring by prioritizing proper rest and staying hydrated with warming ingredients. Nourish your body with foods and drinks with warming ingredients such as ginger, cardamom, root vegetables, and citrus fruits.
3. Reflect on moments of gratitude and reset for the rest of the year
The Autumn Equinox is a time to honor the beauty of the balance between day and night, active and restful moments, productivity and rest. Take time to reflect on moments of gratitude that this year has brought and reset your priorities for the remaining months of the year. Let this seasonal shift serve as a reminder of balance as we juggle many of life's commitments.
4. Make your bedroom a sacred space
As the Autumn Equinox ushers in the fall season, now is a good time to freshen your bedding set up to reflect the changing landscape outside and shift of seasons. Find a mattress that provides proper support for your needs, introduce a cozy duvet to your sleepscape, or enhance your sleep surface with a plush mattress topper for an indulgent layer of comfort.
The beginning of the fall season is often felt before it is recognized. The rhythmic thrum of the summer slowly dissipates as leaves start to blow through the cool air. The sunlight softens, illuminating the reds, browns, and oranges in the landscape. An unhurried transition welcomes an atmosphere of complete renewal. Then comes the familiar dance between day and night, light and dark until we find ourselves gravitating back to the spaces that protect us from the elements and give way to indulgent nights of sleep. At Ostermoor, we believe this devotion to quality rest is sacred. We wish you a rich and nourishing season of unparalleled rest this fall. Indulge in it. Surrender to it. Feel awakened by the gift of quality sleep.