The Daily Herb – Shorter Days, Steady Energy: Herbs and Habits for Fall Vitality – Ben's Herbs Place

Shorter Days, Steady Energy: Herbs and Habits for Fall Vitality
by Ben's Herbs Place

The clocks fell back on Sunday, and now the sun is setting before many of us leave work. Darker mornings, earlier evenings and a busy stretch of school events, holiday planning and family gatherings can leave anyone feeling a little dragged down by mid-afternoon. The good news is that a few simple daily rhythms, nourishing food and some time-honored adaptogenic herbs can help you feel steady, focused and ready for the season.*

Why Energy Can Dip When the Days Get Shorter

Your body keeps time with an internal clock that takes its cues from light. Morning sunlight tells your body it's time to be alert, and darkness in the evening signals it's time to wind down. When daylight shrinks and the clocks shift, that rhythm can feel a little out of step for a week or two. Add colder weather, less time outdoors and more time on the couch, and it's easy to see why many people feel sluggish this time of year.

Light, movement, steady meals and good rest are the foundation. Herbs and nutrients can then help support your body's natural ability to adapt.*

Simple Habits for Steady Fall Energy

• Get morning light. Open the blinds right away, eat breakfast by a window, or take a 10-minute walk soon after sunrise.
• Keep a consistent wake-up time. Getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps your internal clock settle into the new schedule.
• Move a little, often. A short morning stretch, a walk at lunch or a few minutes of stairs gets your blood moving and helps you feel more awake.
• Build balanced meals. Pair protein and fiber at every meal (eggs and oatmeal, chicken and roasted squash, beans and greens) to avoid the spike-and-crash of sugary snacks.
• Drink water before reaching for another coffee. Mild dehydration can feel a lot like tiredness, and indoor heat is drying.
• Eat your greens. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and chard provide magnesium, folate and iron, nutrients that play a role in normal energy production.
• Protect your evenings. Dim the lights and put screens away an hour before bed so you wake up refreshed.

Herbs and Nutrients That Support Natural Energy

Adaptogens: Helping the Body Adapt to Stress

Adaptogens are herbs traditionally used to help the body adapt to everyday physical and mental stress. AdaptaMax brings together adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms such as eleuthero, schizandra and reishi, along with ginkgo, to support balanced energy, mental clarity, endurance and overall well-being.*

Suma, the "Brazilian Ginseng"

Suma bark has a long history of traditional use in South America. SUMA Combination pairs it with eleuthero, astragalus, echinacea, ginkgo and gotu kola for caffeine-free support of natural energy, stamina and a healthy immune system. Many people like to take it with meals as part of a busy-season routine.*

A Traditional Energy Blend

When you want a little extra get-up-and-go for active days, Energ-V combines traditional herbs such as ginkgo, gotu kola and Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) to promote natural energy, stamina and mental and physical performance.*

Liquid Chlorophyll: A Daily Green Boost

Chlorophyll is the green pigment plants use to capture sunlight. Liquid Chlorophyll, derived from alfalfa, is a refreshing way to support natural cleansing and a healthy internal environment. Stir a spoonful into your water bottle in the morning; it's an easy reminder to drink more water, too.*

A Two-Minute Afternoon Reset

• Stand up and stretch: Reach both arms overhead and take three slow, deep breaths.
• Step outside: Even two minutes of daylight and fresh air can help you feel brighter.
• Refill your water: Drink a full glass before deciding whether you really need a snack or more coffee.
• Snack smart: An apple with a handful of nuts or a cheese stick offers steadier energy than candy or chips.

Herb Tip: Fresh Parsley, Fall's Hardy Garden Green

Parsley is one of the toughest herbs in the garden. While basil gives up at the first frost, parsley keeps growing well into November and often survives light freezes, so now is a wonderful time to enjoy it fresh. A big handful of fresh parsley adds bright color and flavor, plus vitamins K, C and A, to cool-weather meals.

• Harvest from the outside in. Snip the outer stems near the base and leave the center to keep producing. On frosty mornings, wait until the leaves thaw before cutting.
• Keep it fresh like a bouquet. Trim the stems, stand the bunch in a jar with an inch of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Change the water every couple of days and it will stay perky for a week or more.
• Use the stems, too. Parsley stems are full of flavor. Toss them into soups, stocks and beans while they simmer.
• Add it at the end. Stir chopped parsley into soups, stews, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes just before serving to keep its fresh taste and color.
• Bring it indoors. Dig up a small plant before a hard freeze, pot it up and set it on a sunny windowsill for fresh snipping into winter.
• Flat-leaf or curly? Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has a stronger flavor for cooking; curly parsley is milder and holds up well as a garnish.

When to Check With Your Health Professional

If you feel tired most of the time, if fatigue lasts more than a few weeks, or if it comes with other changes in how you feel, please talk with your doctor. Check with your health professional before starting a new supplement if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication (especially blood thinners, since ginkgo may not be right for everyone) or managing a health condition.

A Closing Thought

Shorter days are a natural invitation to slow down a little, but not to stall. Chase the morning light, keep moving, fill your plate with color, and let the season's rhythm work for you.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.