Ways to Update and Improve Autumn Routines

 

A fun way to get exercise this fall

As the seasons transition from summer to fall, we may want to dive back into working, learning, and creating with renewed energy. 

 

In fact, a change of season can motivate us to declutter and release things that no longer serve us well. This adjustment may help us clarify which goals and methods improve self-care practices, so they more closely reflect our current needs, wants, and dreams.

 

A shift from summer to autumn can spark interest in get-togethers with friends and family, checking out new recipes or fall fashions and fall colors, and ideas for home projects. The reality of shorter daylight hours, can encourage us to set priorities, and focus on those things that matter the most to us.

 

Rust, yellow, orange, brown, and forest green are popular fall colors

 

Here are practical self-care tips 

for this season of change and 

letting go

Tune into sleep routines and make necessary adjustments.

Try to sleep eight hours every night. In other words scroll less and tune off TV or electronic devices at least a half hour before getting into bed for the night.

If you have a hard time falling asleep, try listening to an audiobook, nature sounds, or sleep meditation a half-hour before bedtime to unwind.

For best sleep results, try using a sleep mask or blackout curtains, keep bedroom temperature cool, room clutter-free, and store tech appliances off and away.

 

Eat mindfully and choose seasonal and local foods to amp up health and well-being.

Prepare seasonal produce including apples, pumpkins, and squash to provide essential nutrients and support local agriculture. Read "What to Know About Seasonal Eating" from WebMD Editorial Contributors.

Incorporate warming foods including soups, stews, and roasted dishes to help maintain body warmth and comfort during colder weather. 

Contemplate fall nutrition needs and plan to include foods that provide immune support.  Foods rich in vitamins C and D, such as citrus fruits, whole grains, and protein helps strengthen the immune system as flu season approaches.

 

Eat citrus fruit to raise natural immunity, especially in cold and flu season

Whole foods provide the vitamins and minerals we need to function at our best. On the other hand, eating lots of processed foods that are high in sugar and fat can negatively affect energy levels and overall health. 

Small, consistent actions compound into something significant over time, and refresh a lagging spirit. 

A few sit-to-stands a day, A short walk, and a balance exercise before bed doesn’t feel dramatic in the moment, but our bodies respond every single time. We need to keep showing up.

Be active and get outside. Cooling weather makes it more comfortable to walk, ride a bike, hike, or run.

Host a virtual dance party or gather together for square or line dancing.

Participate in yoga, whether it be in an Online Grounding into Gratitude Root Chakra Yoga Class with Adrienne, a home practice, or an in-person class. Read "Phenomenal Reason Yoga Enhances Health" for motivation and additional information.

Yoga is exercise that can be practiced year round

Follow a YouTube or Netflix workout video.

Read for pleasure, engage in a book club, or listen to an audiobook or podcast under the shade of a Maple Tree.

Meditate in a quiet corner of your home or get involved in a group spiritual or reflective practice.

Plan for coffee/tea breaks with friends and family, or set up virtual ones.

Get creative and let your authentic light shine

 

Build, repair, or refinish furniture or paint a bookcase an autumn color.

Craft cards, write in a gratitude  journal, or do a short creative writing exercise.

Take piano lessons, sing songs, or learn a new language.

Pen a poem, or finish a puzzle.

Forage a fall centerpiece by letting nature supply all the materials needed including autumn leaves, pine cones, evergreen sprigs, autumn fruit and nuts, pumpkins, etc.

Use foraged autumn leaves, mums, pine cones, and the like to make a colorful centerpiece 

Plan ahead to prepare for and celebrate holidays and special events that take place in the fall.

Note: I start early to simplify autumn entertaining to prevent feeling overwhelmed. A month in advance, I shop for non-perishable foods, and prepare and freeze certain fresh food dishes that would spoil if I made them too far in advance. I do this for the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper and Thanksgiving. To reduce clutter and work, I also update decor accent pieces seasonally instead of for each holiday. 

Which self-care activities mentioned in this post or ones you have in place already are effective and which ones can you let go of as part of autumn routine clean-up? 

Please comment in the space provided below.

Want to know more about autumn self-care practices? Read "Essential Self-care Tips to Ace Autumn."

Share below about self-care practices that nurture your mind, body, or spirit. For example, some cozy activities may include lighting candles, sitting by the fire, drinking a cup of cocoa, or eating popcorn as you watch a movie at home. Perhaps self-care means going to a farm stand to pick out a pumpkin and fall-hued potted mums as a colorful welcome for all who come to your front door.  

What self-care techniques do you want to include more often this fall and beyond? Please share that too.

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