3 healthy things to do in autumn (for free)

Chinese medicine recognises that we are part of nature, and that the natural rhythms of the year affect our bodies and emotions. Changing and moving with the seasons helps to keep us well.

Autumn is the time for letting go of what we no longer need, just as the trees let their leaves fall away. Here are three ways to let go in preparation for winter's quiet incubation.

1. Declutter: set a timer for 10 minutes, grab a bin liner, and fill it with stuff to put in the recycling bin or take to the charity shop. Repeat this exercise once a day until your home feels like it can breathe again.

2. Drop your psychological leaves: Let your mind seek out the old feelings, thoughts and beliefs that don't serve you anymore. When you find one, let it fall away from you like a leaf falling from a tree. Some will fall more easily than others. Be gentle with yourself and let the process happen in its own time. After all, a tree doesn't drop all its old leaves in a single day.

3. Cut your 'to do' list: write down everything you have to do in the next month, and then cross out everything that is not necessary to keep things ticking over. If you can, put any new projects on hold until the spring. Your chances of success will be better if your ideas incubate through the winter.

#autumn