Late summer is a peculiar season. On the surface, it still feels like summer — warm days, lingering light, the memory of ice creams and beach time. But underneath, I notice the shift. My body and the air feel different.
There’s a tiredness that isn’t just physical. Physically, my skin feels dry and tight, my hair and lips lack moisture, and I find myself craving long naps even after a full night of sleep. Sometimes, my digestion protests after too much raw food or cold drinks. I notice bloating and a heaviness in my legs, even slight water retention in my ankles. And with perimenopause as a quiet companion, the fatigue and dry skin become even louder this time of year. Energetically, the air feels fresher in the mornings and evenings, inviting me to reach for a shawl and slip back into socks. I notice myself craving earlier bedtimes, choosing books over busy plans, and leaning into quieter, more introverted rhythms.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), late summer is the season of the Earth element. It governs the Spleen and Stomach — the center of digestion, transformation, and nourishment. When Earth is out of balance, we feel sluggish, heavy, ungrounded and lack nourishment. Too much dampness from cold foods, too much heat from the season itself, and suddenly our energy feels stuck.
Rather than fight against this natural cycle, I’ve learned to flow with it. Late summer is not a time to push harder, but to restore and prepare for autumn.
Here’s how I reset my energy in late summer:
Rehydrate with minerals
Summer heat and sweating deplete not just water, but also vital minerals. TCM teaches that fluids nourish Yin — our cooling, moistening aspect. When Yin is low, we feel dry, overheated, and restless at night.
So I hydrate deeply with herbal infusions, mineral-rich water, and foods that restore fluids — think cucumber, pears, watermelon in moderation, and soups. Sometimes I add magnesium and potassium for extra replenishment.
Sleep like it’s autumn already
Nature is shifting — days shorten, nights lengthen. I honor this by going to bed earlier, around 22:00. Restorative sleep is Yin-building, essential for balancing late-summer dryness and perimenopausal heat.
I imagine each night’s sleep as a chance for my body to “store energy in the roots,” preparing me for the cooler months ahead.
Using light as medicine
Our circadian rhythm is guided by light. I allow myself to rise with morning brightness and dim the lights at dusk, avoiding screens late at night. This simple rhythm supports the Shen (Spirit) and gives my body the signals it needs to sleep more peacefully.
Soothing the nervous system
Before bed, I practice Medical Qigong — breath, gentle movement, focus, and awareness. These calming practices help anchor my Qi, slow my heart rate, and calm the nervous system. In TCM, it is said that when the Shen is settled, the body can heal.
Returning to meal rhythm
After months of irregular summer eating, I reset with a steady rhythm: breakfast in the morning, lunch around 13:00, and dinner before 20:00. Warm, cooked meals feel much better for my digestion now than endless cold salads.
I think of this as “digestive kindness” — giving my Spleen and Stomach the support they need to transform food into clear Qi, rather than burden them with dampness and cold.
Walking for circulation and lymph flow
Now that the heat has softened, I walk daily. Gentle movement activates Qi and Blood flow, eases water retention, and clears heaviness in the legs. Walking is also Earth element medicine: it grounds me, connects me to nature, and restores balance.
Editing my calendar
I give myself permission to create space. Quiet mornings, intentional social meetups, and afternoons with a book instead of more rushing. In TCM, overthinking and worry deplete the Spleen. By simplifying, I protect my Earth element — and my energy.
When to Seek Extra Support
Sometimes, resetting with seasonal practices isn’t enough. Ask for support if:
Fatigue and unrefreshing sleep persist.
Hot flashes and night sweats remain disruptive.
Digestion continues to feel heavy or uncomfortable.
This may be your body signaling deeper imbalances, or calling for extra guidance during perimenopause.
Late summer is not about productivity or pushing harder. It is about listening inward, grounding, and restoring balance. Just as the Earth nourishes all life, this season is our invitation to nourish ourselves — body, mind, and spirit.
So here’s to hydrated skin, calmer nights, steadier digestion, and the quiet wisdom of late summer.