By the end of this month, the high temperatures will be no more, and it will be time to start layering up. Then shortly afterwards, we’ll all be cranking up the dials on the heating system to keep the biting Beijing cold away. The most instinctual thing that will happen as it becomes colder is more and more people will seek refuge indoors, therefore spend these remaining warmer days to prepare for the change of seasons. Here are some suggestions:
Bring the Green In
Beijing isn’t what you can say “a typical green city” but it does have its fair share of parks filled with trees and lush grass (that you aren’t allowed to sit on). To get ready for fall, look for potted plants and bring them indoors to liven the place up once the cold starts to turn green to brown. In Shunyi, head over to Beitong Flower Market to get your choice of plant species. For downtown residents, who wish upon the plant universe that the Liangma Flower Market was open, but it isn’t occupied with tenants anymore. Instead, head to the supermarkets, wait for the road side peddlers, or make the trek to Shunyi to get your plants.
Indoor Air Quality
We have written in the past about how important it is to make sure that the air quality inside in the home is equally if not more important than the outdoors as people spend more time indoors than outdoors. Get your space checked out by PureLiving to get recommendations on how to improve the air quality before fall and winter sneak up on you.
Fall Cleaning: Clothes and Toys
It’s time to be merciless with your summer clothes before locking them in storage. Decide which ones will be used next year and which ones you highly doubt any family member will miss. This will save you the trouble of making the decision to declutter come spring. Donate, have a clothes swap, and pack away the rest. Start unpacking those fall and winter coats then take them to be dry cleaned if they haven’t seen a good clean.
Take a Hard Look at That New Year’s Resolutions List
Truth is, the year is nearly done and it’s time to take a closer look and what you were able to or weren’t able to achieve. Unload the goals that have preoccupied your thoughts and invaded your dreams. Come up with ways to make it happen. I know that’s easier said than done.
A Little TCM about the Lungs
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, fall is lung season, which is believed that the lungs are the most vulnerable when cold, dry weather cause them to constrict. Check out what you need to do to stay healthy.
Reach Out
Get busy and have me time penciled in to keep the stress and Beijing blues away. The shorter days will need to be creatively used by spending time with your family and friends.
Photo: scrubbi.com
