It’s time to “fall back” into shorter days, cooler weather, and fuzzy pajamas. (Okay, the pajamas are optional.) It’s also the perfect time to re-focus on our health—body, mind, and spirit—before the holidays.
Where do we start? The bookstore shelves are busting with copies of this season’s go-to guru. The internet is incessantly yammering at us with buzz-filled articles about what we need to be doing today and tomorrow and the next day. But, do we? Really?
If you’re like me, it gets confusing. I know how I want to feel, but I don’t exactly know what to read to help me get there. I want to feel healthful, energetic, at ease, clear-headed, present, and hearty enough to dodge all the germs flying at me. I also want to be of service to my friends and family by supporting them on their own health journeys. (Service seems especially poignant this time of year!).
So, I asked some experts for help. Here are nine wellness books to read this fall recommended by students from the ACHS Dean’s List (by the by, we received way more than nine stellar recommendations, and we’ll be sharing the rest in future posts—keep an eye out):
Looking for a holistic approach to stress management? Wondering how to develop a personalized stress-management program (or one for your family? for clients?)? Christine Deubel, HHP, DIP.AROMA recommends you learn more about the current elements in your life that are causing stress, as well as how your body responds to stress and the activities you respond to best to alleviate stress … especially with the upcoming holidays that can add more stress! Christine says Controlling Stress and Tension “is well written, and has many great holistic approaches to stress management.”
Suggested by Rachel Ramey, HHP, she says Move Your DNA takes a “fascinating look at what the author calls ‘nutritious movement’—or how the way we move affects our health, even down to the cellular level.” The author also provides exercises, habit modifications, and lifestyle changes to help professional athletes to stay-at-home moms to seniors restore their health.
Recommended by Linda M. Sorenson, MS, Grad.Cert. Nut, this best-selling text profiles 33 of the most-common botanicals used in herbal medicine, including how to prepare your own remedies like tinctures, oils, and creams. Sorenson says about this book: “When it’s fall, I think of cooking, preserving, and making herbal and aromatherapy remedies. I also think of restoring balance to the body in preparation for cold and flu season. […] Rosemary Gladstar is an iconic herbalist, and her book presents an informative guide for knowing, growing, and using medicinal herbs. Each herb chapter has recipes or formulas for medicinal use of the herb.”
For those who believe food is medicine, Jennifer Larson, MS CAM, recommends this 2017 text from Rosalee de la Foret. An American Herbalist Guild Registered Herbalist (RH), de la Foret demystifies the kitchen and shows how to turn common foods into healing agents … and on a budget! Using herbs and making your own remedies does not have to be expensive. de la Foret shows it’s “as simple and inexpensive as cooking dinner.” Twenty-nine of the most popular herbs are profiled, including history, modern uses, and recipes.
In this influential text recommended by Genesis Cranston, CHRM, female health advocate and holistic health coach, Alisa Vitti, educates woman about hormone health and how to use food and lifestyle changes to regain balance. She also shares her personal story of healing from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It’s a personal, yet insightful read for all the ladies in your life looking to take charge their health and lifestyle choices.
When asked for a fall reading recommendation, Raj Shah, MSHN, Grad.Cert.Nut says The Detox Diet because “fall is a great time to do a detox or cleanse.” In this fully updated text (required in the ACHS course NUT 509: Graduate Topics in Holistic Nutrition) Haas breaks down the detoxification process and cleaning protocols for things like sugar and caffeine. Hass also provides 50 recipes to follow-up detox. (Just in time to prepare for the holidays and New Year’s Day? Hmmmm.)
Recommended by Adrienne Moyer, AAS CAM, this resource provides easy-to-follow guidance on how to green your life, starting with your oh-so-personal body care products. Author Jan Berry offers many projects you can make with common herbs and oils … no fancy equipment needed! Moyer says about this book: “I feel like it’s a good book for the general wellness community, and current students and grads might be interested in it, too. It’s full of DIY projects that can be used for gifts for the upcoming holiday season, as well as self-care projects that include skin and hair care, health remedies, and household cleaners.”
Recommended by Michelle Matthews, CNPM, Paleo Dog is dedicated to the well-being of man’s best friend. “I feel that keeping your dog healthy is a service to the community,” Matthews says. “Neighbors and their pets will inevitably come into contact with your dog at some point whether it’s directly or indirectly.” So, how do you support your pup’s optimal health? How do you pick a pet food or feed a wolf disguised as a pug? Paelo Dog teaches readers how to spot the right balance of healthy ingredients, as well as recipes and advise on treats, exercise, massage, and other alternative protocols for dogs.
Perhaps an unconventional “health” text, this recommendation from Loni McGackin, MS CAM is a great addition to your self-care collection. As McGackin explains, “I believe that wellness begins on the inside, and going deeper, it begins with our thoughts. Being mentally unwell, as you know, can create a ‘sick’ body; the two are not mutually exclusive. So, I believe in order to heal the body, we must heal the mind. It’s all connected.” The Fifth Agreement is a re-imagined sequel to the classic text, Four Agreements, and digs deeper into the role of ‘awareness of the power of the Self.’ Compelling stuff!
And, there are more to come! Keep an eye out for part two of our fall recommended reading series.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am the Dean of English, Communications Manager, and Press Coordinator for American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”