Nourish Yourself This November: Spring Summer Wellbeing Tips & TCM Insights
Updated: 1 hour ago
As we move through November, the days are getting longer, the weather is warming and we begin to feel the shift towards summer.
It's a season of growth, movement and renewed energy, but it can also be a time when life starts to feel a little busier as we approach the end of the year.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), seasonal changes are important opportunities to check in with our bodies and adjust how we nourish, move and care for ourselves.
This month, we're exploring the transition towards summer, supporting our emotional wellbeing and finding balance as the year begins to wind down
Welcome Anna - our new
psychotherapist and counsellor
We are delighted to welcome Anna to our team!
Anna is a trauma-informed, person-centred psychotherapist and counsellor who offers a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients can feel genuinely heard, understood and supported.
Working collaboratively with each individual, Anna draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT) and attachment theory.
Anna supports people navigating challenges such as:
Anxiety, worry and overthinking.
Perfectionism, self-doubt and low self-esteem.
Stress, burnout and workplace difficulties.
People-pleasing, boundaries and assertiveness.
Emotional overwhelm and emotional regulation.
Relationship difficulties and attachment patterns.
Life transitions and questions around identity.
Low mood, motivation and feeling stuck.
At the heart of Anna's work is a belief in each person's capacity for growth, resilience and healing. Anna works collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, build self-understanding and develop practical strategies relevant to their individual circumstances
Anna is available for telehealth appointments, access counselling and psychotherapy support from the comfort of your own space. We are so excited to have her join our team!
TCM Seasonal Focus: Welcoming the fire element
As we move towards summer in Australia, we begin transitioning from the Wood element of spring into the Fire element of summer.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with the Heart and Small Intestine, with the Heart holding particular significance within TCM philosophy in relation to our emotional and mental wellbeing.
Traditionally, the Heart is considered the home of the Shen, often translated as our spirit or mind. Within TCM, the Shen is associated with qualities such as emotional balance, mental clarity, sleep, joy and our ability to connect with others.
Summer is traditionally viewed as a time of expansion, warmth, connection and activity. From a
TCM perspective, this is also a time to be mindful of balancing activity with rest and avoiding overextension.
As the days become longer and social activities increase, this is a wonderful time to focus on:
Emotional wellbeing: Making space for relaxation and emotional self-awareness.
Sleep routines: Maintaining consistent sleep habits and allowing time to unwind.
Mental clarity: Finding moments of stillness amongst busy schedules.
Connection and joy: Spending time with people and activities that bring enjoyment and connection.
Rest and recovery: Balancing increased activity with adequate downtime.
The goal isn't to slow down completely, but to find a rhythm that allows us to enjoy the energy of the season while making time for rest, relaxation and looking after ourselves.
How this season can affect your wellbeing
As the Australian weather becomes warmer, we may notice changes in our daily routines, activity levels and overall wellbeing.
Sleep and winding down
Longer daylight hours, increased social activity and busy schedules can sometimes make it harder to switch off at the end of the day. Maintaining a consistent evening routine, reducing stimulation before bed and allowing time to relax can help encourage healthy sleep habits.
Stress and emotional wellbeing
As the end of the year approaches, work commitments, family responsibilities and social events can begin to accumulate, sometimes leaving us feeling mentally and emotionally stretched.
Recognising when we need a break, setting healthy boundaries and seeking support when needed are important ways to prioritise our emotional wellbeing.
Muscle tension and physical recovery
Increased activity, gardening, exercise and busy schedules can contribute to muscular tension and physical discomfort. Gentle movement, stretching and allowing time for recovery are simple ways to look after your body.
Acupuncture, remedial massage and myotherapy are treatment options that may be considered as part of an individualised approach to managing muscular discomfort and supporting movement and physical function.
Hydration and digestive wellbeing
As temperatures rise, remember to stay hydrated and enjoy fresh, seasonal foods. From a TCM perspective, adapting our food choices to the changing seasons and individual constitution is an important part of maintaining balance and supporting digestive wellbeing.
Looking ahead: Preparing for the End of the year
November is a wonderful opportunity to pause and check in with yourself before the December rush begins.
As the year starts to wind down, it's worth taking a little time to consider how you're feeling, what your body and mind might need, and how you can make space for your wellbeing during the busy months ahead.
A few things to think about:
Make time for yourself: Consider setting aside time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether that's acupuncture, massage, movement or simply some quiet time.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to ongoing tension, discomfort or changes in how you're feeling, and consider seeking appropriate support if needed.
Create some breathing room: Look at your calendar and make sure rest and downtime are included.
Reflect and reset: Consider what you'd like to leave behind this year and what you'd like to carry into the next.
Prioritise your mental wellbeing: If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stuck, reaching out for support can be a positive step.
You don't need to wait until life feels overwhelming to make your wellbeing a priority. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is simply pause, check in with ourselves and make a little more room for rest.
TCM Spring Recipe:
Ginger & Shiitake Steamed Fish with Asian Greens
Light, nourishing and full of fresh seasonal flavour.
As we transition towards summer and the Fire element, we want to nourish without creating excess heaviness or heat.
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
2 white fish fillets (barramundi, snapper or cod)
4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 cm fresh ginger, finely sliced
2 spring onions, sliced
1 bunch bok choy or Asian greens
1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ lemon or lime
Fresh coriander (optional)
½ cup water for steaming
Method
Place the fish fillets on a heatproof plate and arrange the sliced ginger and shiitake mushrooms over the top.
Add a little tamari and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Place the plate into a steamer and steam for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until cooked through.
Meanwhile, lightly steam or stir-fry the Asian greens until just tender.
Finish the fish with spring onions, sesame oil and fresh coriander.
Serve warm with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
The TCM benefits
Fish: A light source of protein that can help nourish the body without making the meal overly heavy.
Ginger: Traditionally used to support the Spleen and Stomach, helping digestive function and warming the middle.
Shiitake mushrooms: Traditionally valued for supporting Qi and nourishment.
Asian greens: Provide a fresh, lighter component to the meal, complementing the warmer ingredients.
Lemon and lime: Add a refreshing seasonal flavour.
As we move towards summer, TCM encourages us to adapt our meals to the changing climate. Remember, in TCM, food energetics are individual, and the best dietary approach depends on your constitution and health needs.
November reminder: Nourish your body, nurture your mind and make room for joy. As the year draws to a close, remember to prioritise yourself along the way. We look forward to supporting you throughout November and into the summer months. |
Book an appointment with our Mornington team online now.
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