Twice a year, we change our clocks: we "spring forward" an hour in the spring and "fall back" an hour in the fall. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is a time to focus on restoring energy and supporting the immune system. Think earlier bedtimes, gentle movement, and warm foods. We talked to ORA's founder and CEO, Kim, about how she prepares for the time change and how she's leaning into the seasonal shift from summer to fall.

How are you feeling about daylight saving time and turning the clocks back?

“Honestly, I'm excited for the extra hour! But I really use this time of year as a reminder to slow down, listen to my body, and prioritize rest. Summer is so full of energy and plans, and fall feels like a natural invitation to turn inward. Instead of fighting the shorter days, I try to move with them.”

Do you do anything specific to prepare leading up to changing of the clocks?

“I love to get acupuncture the week of, or right after, daylight savings. It's the reset I need, especially during the shift from summer to fall. I also start adjusting my schedule a few days early, going to bed and waking up about 15 minutes earlier each day, so the time change doesn't feel like such a jolt.”

Beyond adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your body's natural circadian rhythm, TCM also recommends gentle movement in the morning to encourage circulation. Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or even simple stretching are great ways to get your Qi flowing and shake off grogginess. The extra hour can be a welcome chance to catch up on sleep, but darker mornings and colder temperatures can make it harder to get going. A little morning movement helps get your blood flowing and makes the start of the day feel easier.

How does your morning and evening routine personally change during this time?

“I try to start my days earlier, since they seem to end so early! I try to get outside for a little morning light, even if it's just a short walk or having my tea by the window. It helps me feel awake and sets the tone for the rest of the day. Not only am I getting in gentle movement, I’m also getting sunlight which helps to boost daily focus, mood, and energy.”

“Because I'm starting earlier in the morning, I do the same in the evening. I start my nightly tea ritual a bit sooner and try to get to bed earlier. My go-to is our Calming Chai because it's caffeine-free and helps support the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of us that tells our body it's safe to rest. I'll dim the lights, put my phone away, and let that cup of tea be the signal that my day is winding down.”

As the weather gets colder, warm tea is also a simple way to aid digestion and help the body hold on to warmth.

Do you have any recommendations on nourishment for the fall season?  

“With the chillier temperatures, I cook more warming dishes with squash and sweet potatoes. I've been eyeing a beef stew that I want to make on the Sunday of daylight savings. There's something so grounding about having something simmering on the stove all afternoon.”

“During the summer, my body can handle more salads and raw veggies. In the colder months, it really craves heartier, warmer meals.”

TCM emphasizes this, too: cooked, warming foods are easier on digestion and help sustain energy as the weather turns. Think soups and stews, congee, roasted vegetables, and warm grains. Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are easy additions to just about any fall dish. Pears are another classic fall food in TCM. They're associated with the lungs and with relieving dryness, which is especially relevant as the air gets drier this time of year. Try them poached, baked, or warmed and stirred into oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Additionally, some of the best fall foods to add to your grocery list according to TCM are:

• Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets for grounding nourishment. 

• Pumpkin and squash are naturally sweet and warming, they also support digestion.

• Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and barley for sustained, nourishing energy.

• White radish which has been traditionally used to support digestion and a common ingredient in fall soups and stews.

We heard from Isabel this summer about her skincare routine. Now that it’s fall, what are you doing to support your own ritual for the new season?

“I add more hydrating steps to my skincare routine so my skin doesn't look dull in the winter months. The cooler air and indoor heat can really dry things out. I love using Omad's Miracle Balm on Sundays to kickstart my skincare routine for the week. And of course, I always pair it with our LED Gua Sha to reduce puffiness. It's become one of my favorite moments of the week, just a few quiet minutes that feel like mine.”

Hydrating products help protect your skin from cool, dry air, but hydration starts from the inside, too. We talk about drinking water constantly in the summer, but once the heat fades, it's easy to forget. Staying hydrated year-round is crucial for healthy organ function, so keep that water bottle close even as the temperatures drop. Room temperature water is recommended over  cold water to sip throughout the day as it absorbs faster, is gentler on the throat, and aids digestion.

Getting Back to Basics

As we move from summer into fall, this is a time to revisit the basics and prioritize rest. Aim for consistent sleep, and create a nighttime ritual that helps your body shift out of fight-or-flight mode. Bring warmth into your day, whether that's an evening cup of tea or a new stew recipe, and fill your plate with seasonal produce to nourish your digestion and immune system. Finally, work gentle movement into your day wherever it fits best. Maybe it's a morning walk, maybe it's yoga or stretching before bed. Something simple can go a long way in bringing the body back into balance.

Kim's Fall Reset Checklist

• Shift your bedtime and wake time 15 minutes earlier in the days before the clocks change.

• Get morning light, even for a few minutes.

• Start your evening wind-down ritual a little sooner.

• Swap raw, cold meals for warm, cooked, seasonal ones.

• Add hydration to your skincare routine.

• Protect the extra hour. Use it to rest, not to catch up.

However you spend your extra hour this year, we hope Kim's rituals inspire you to slow down and ease gently into the season. Tag us on instagram to let us know how you’re preparing for fall.