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Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Ways to Update and Improve Autumn Routines

 
Discover Ways to Update 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.

 

Wear those colors that flatter you this fall
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.


Bushel of Apples for Baked Apple Recipe


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.

 

Citrus fruits boost natural immunity
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.


Develop a Yoga Practice This Fall
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.


Create a fall themed centerpiece
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.  


Decorate with Mother Nature's Bounty




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


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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

April Fun Facts and Important Dates

April Fun Facts and Important Dates




There are many special days in April, and this post shows you which events, pastimes, special occasions, and April holidays I have selected to share with you. After you see the collection, please comment below about the ones that appeal to you.



According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, April gets its name from the Latin word aperio or aperire, which means "to open" (bud). This reflects the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere when trees and flowers begin to bloom. It is essentially viewed as a time of nature's renewal, growth, and the arrival of "April showers."


Our friends in the Southern Hemisphere think of April as the seasonal equivalent to October.
 


April is National Stress Awareness Month, an annual event inaugurated in 1992 to increase awareness about the causes and cures for modern stress. John Hopkins University provides ideas to help you learn effective strategies for conquering stress. For more see Tips to Help You Tame Stress from yours truly.


April is National Stress Awareness Month

 
 

April Fools’ Day (April 1st) was inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s story in Canterbury Tales called “Nun’s Priest Tale.” Want to be a jokester on this day, and look for the sunny side in everyday situations?


 
April is Humor Month, so laugh it up! Learn more about the topic by checking out National Humor Month.




Earth Day is April 22th. Please don't limit your efforts to conserve, reduce, and reuse to this day only. See Kick off the New Year More Sustainably, Why I'm going Vegan for Earth Day, and Thrifty Driving Tips to Save Money and Zap Carbon Footprints.



Several religious holidays occur in April. This year the dates are Easter (Western: April 5, Orthodox: April 12), Passover (April 1–9), and Vaisakhi (April 14). Another key observance is the Bahai festival of Ridván, beginning April 20th. Let's make it a priority to focus on peace, fellowship, and respectful communication as we gather to celebrate the April Holidays and create a force for healing and goodness.

💗

Diamonds are forever and the birthstone of April is bright and beautiful. Read how diamonds are recovered sustainably.


 

If you were born in April, your zodiac sign is either Aries or Taurus. 


One Zodiac Sign for April is Aries






Taurus is a Zodiac Sign for April






Your birth flower is the daisy or sweet pea.

 
Diasies are one kind of April flowers.





President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865.



April originally was only 29 days long. The 30th day was added when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar.
 



The Titanic hit the now famous iceberg on April 15, 1912.

 


George Washington was inaugurated as the First President of the United States on April 30, 1789.
 








Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or special event happening in April? My first great-grandchild will be born in April and I am delighted and excited. 


Which April dates are meaningful or fun for you? Please share about them in the comments section below.


Did you learn anything new from reading this blog post? Please let us know. Please don't put links in your comments as I won't be able to publish them that way.

 
If you like what see, please share on social media with a link back to this post. I post on the 1st and 15th of every month, so I hope you'll come back again soon.



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Friday, November 14, 2025

8 Tips to Simplify the Holidays for Less Stress and More Joy

Holiday Fun
2 Junior Bakers with Sticky Fingers



Here are 8 tips to help simplify the holidays and create less stress and more joy at this festive time of year.


1. Think about holiday traditions and pastimes that are important to you and your family, and write a to-do list with that in mind. Organize tasks including gift buying and food and meal shopping and planning details. Don't forget to include relaxing and refreshing activities in the mix.



2. Acknowledge the reasons you celebrate the season, and focus on the overall themes of gratitude, love, giving, and togetherness.

Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah


3. Consider the why of your celebration and use your breath to set yourself up for a calmer holiday season. Think about the past year’s accomplishments and challenges, and recognize what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Perhaps you will also reflect on future aspirations, focusing on who you want to spend time with and how you want to feel in the New Year.



4. Make self-care a priority. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, and time in nature. Release expectations that you can fit everything you want into each day. Instead of striving for perfection, set boundaries by saying "no" to over-commitment. Just remember your mental and physical health are impacted by the self-care choices you make.

Note: This post is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only, and is not intended as health advice. Speak to a health care provider if that is what you seek.

Hug a Tree to Feel More Grounded


5. Share tasks to make holiday decorations, food prep, and planning a group effort.  Lighten your load and work with others, and get the bonus of providing space for connection with friends or family. Reserve time to relax and enjoy those people, places, and things you love. Also, don’t forget to rest and/or take breaks.

Shoveling Snow can create a Sense of Togetherness



6. Go for quality over quantity. Don’t go overboard buying the fanciest decorations or an expensive toy for the kids. Be thoughtful about gift-giving. Be creative and give handmade food items or experience gifts rather than things. Memories are golden.



7. Update your vision of holiday gatherings, especially if your budget is stretched. Get together with friends for ice or roller skating, a festive lights tour, or a leisurely stroll after dinner. Companionship and sharing are real gems of the season. 



8. Laugh and play by hosting an ugly sweater competition or white elephant gift exchange. Find a relaxed, creative pursuit like making cookies or brownies to give as gifts. Why not partake of a simple holiday-themed outdoor activity like hiking or building a snowman? 






No matter when, where, or how you do it, try to pace yourself. When you want or need to kick-back, enjoy a cozy day indoors with a holiday movie marathon or a good book. Take extra time to pamper yourself by luxuriating in a hot shower, engaging in a spa day, or take a holiday yoga or Pilates' class.


Thanks dear readers and visitors for the time and attention you have given me this year. I am grateful for you.

Have you come up with ideas that simplify the holidays for you? Please share one or two in the comments section below.

What area or areas of holiday prep do you need to review or revise? Please share that below too. 
 

I like to get feedback, questions, and input from my readers, but will not be able to publish those comments that contain links. Thanks for understanding.


Wishing you a festive holiday season and many moments of sheer joy.


Be well. Live Well. Lead a Colorful Life.

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