Fall is here and it is the perfect time to reflect and for gratitude. With the cold, rainy days and with nightfall seeming to come 3 hours after the sun comes up, it is easy for time to fly and for us to put our self-care on the back burner. It is important to keep our routines, now more than ever, especially for our mental, physical, and emotional needs. So we have put together the perfect list of seasonal self-care ideas.
Cozy night in
Taking a night off is so important and helps you to recharge and get ready for the next day. So let’s spruce up for fall and make it more cozy.
Put your favorite movie/show on Netflix, grab one of your many fuzzy blankets and cuddle up on the couch. To top it off, brew your favorite or heat up some hot chocolate and relax.
Wake and Bake
Fall is the perfect time to show off your baking skills, of course you are going to bake all things pumpkin. The warmth from the oven will fill your house as fall crisp air rolls in. Bring out all those recipes you've held onto all year and the yummy ingredients like apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg, etc.
If you’re feeling in a generous mood, you can share your baked goodies with friends, a boo or neighbors.
Get outside and clear your head
What’s better than being outside in the beautiful Fall weather? Leaves are changing colors, you can wear your favorite jacket without sweating. So get outside, take a little walk or go on your favorite hike, reflect on your surroundings and how things are different from the last time you went. Just take a deep breath.
If you really wanna break a sweat, try doing your normal at home/gym workout outside. Or try something new like, uh hot yoga?
Write it down
While you're having your cozy night in or going on that hike, bring your journal and write your goals, practice gratitude, set long and short-term goals and schedule your fall self-care routine.
Set boundaries
With the holidays around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos. With family dinners, gift shopping and friends-giving celebrations, we can end up stretching ourselves pretty thin. It is vital to not only set boundaries for ourselves but others as well. It is ok to say no to those dinner plans or leave a day later to visit family. Always check in with yourself.
Talk To someone
Whether it be a friend, family member or counselor; it is always great to find time to connect with others. With shorter days, it can be difficult to find enough time. Try sending a text beforehand to let the person know you're thinking of them and want to talk.
Give back
If there is a cause close to your heart that you have been meaning to give to all year long, now is the time. Fall is a great reminder for gratitude and sharing with our local community and non-profit organizations. With things like volunteering and Giving Tuesday, there are many opportunities to give back.
Get in the Fall Mood
If you love fall as much as we do, pull out your favorite fall and/or Halloween decorations. Being surrounded by beautiful, fun fall decorations can definitely cheer you up on a rainy day.
Why is self-care in Fall so important?
It is not that it is more important than self-care in the summer or spring but we are more likely to neglect it for several reasons. One being that you’re much more likely to suffer from Seasonal Depression or SAD during the darker months, especially if you live in colder and/or rainy areas.
In the summer months, with longer days and warmer weather, you are more likely to go out with friends and do outdoor activities; getting some vitamin D. Although it might take more effort it is important for us to stay diligent and consistent with our self-care routine during these cold, dark fall and winter days.