5 Autumn Self-Care Tips

While I am still sad to see summer go, I am also ready for the cooler weather and everything else that comes with it. When I think of fall I think of nice weather, everything pumpkin, apple and cinnamon flavored/scented, bonfires (or fireplaces), warm foods and drinks, being cozy and...perfect running temperatures = racing season.

What does fall mean to you? 

Depending on what area of the country you are in, it might be really cold or it might not be much different than summer (Texas friends and family, I'm thinking of you). I feel like no matter the temperature though, something that starts to happen around this time is stress from a busy work load/school during this last quarter of the year, especially as we gear up for the holiday season - which face it, starts on Halloween. Does time seem to speed up during these fall months for you (especially with the shorter days)? It's easy to get caught up in everything going on and preparing for the holidays - which unfortunately for a lot of people tends to mean giving up on self-care for the next 3 months and starting over again in January. Please, don't let this be you this year!

Fully enjoy the fall (and winter) this year. Let's make this the time of the year where you instead create space for those things that you actually WANT to do, and do less of the things that you don't! Self-care is so important for many reasons. Did you know that with self-care we are more resilient and able to handle life's stresses when we are feeling our best physically, emotionally and mentally AND it makes you a better caregiver (no, self-care is not selfish, it is necessary so you can give your best self to others - and yourself)?

Self-care is needed year-round but your needs change a bit with the seasons so you can explore different interests and go with the energy you are feeling. When trying to decide what you need to do to practice better self-care, just ask yourself "what would make me feel happier/more restored/healthier/energized/etc.?" For example, if I am feeling stressed I know that I need a little down time by myself (and to say no more often) or if I am feeling lonely I know I need to make plans with my husband or a friend and get out of the house. The following is a list of ideas to practice better self-care this season, but remember to do what feels best for YOU.

1. Do the fall things that excite you. Get creative and do what you enjoyed as a child (or still do now): go apple picking, buy a scented candle, bake a pie, visit a pumpkin patch, decorate, view the fall foliage, have a football watching party, read a book by the fireplace, etc. 
2. Get active outside. Use this cooler weather to your advantage before it starts to get really cold! Take a hike, go on a walk, go running, ride your bike. Do whatever you enjoy that gets you moving outdoors and try and get as much sunlight and vitamin D as possible (with proper protection and SPF of course)!
3. Cook something new. Now is the time to start trying different slow cooker recipes, cook over a bonfire or just bake something fun! It is the season for warming comfort foods - which can be delicious AND healthy too!
4. Drink something warm. There is just something so nice about sipping on a cup of hot tea, coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider, etc. at the end (or beginning/middle) of a long day! 
5. Set boundaries. There is so much going on and so much FOMO (fear of missing out) between different holiday parties, events, traditions and work/school obligations during this season. Prioritize what YOU want/need to do and don't over-commit to things you don't like/want to do. Don't drain your energy. Choose things that fill you with joy instead AND make sure to get enough sleep!

Take care of yourself. YOU are important. Always be willing to ask for help!

Also, don't forget that flu shot...and wash your hands often ;) 

Enjoy this beautiful fall season!


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