10 Self Care Tips for the Fall-Lovers 🍂
Guest Blogger: Devyn Atzen
Another summer bites the dust! Gone are the days of late summer nights, afternoons by the pool, double scoop ice cream cones, and sunburns. We can now start binging football over the weekends, pulling out all of our oversized sweaters, and ordering everything pumpkin spice flavored. While autumn is exciting, saying goodbye to summer for the year does cause a rift in schedules, habits, and our mental and physical health.
Nevertheless, I came up with 10 self-care tips and habits to implement in your own life to ensure that you stay happy and healthy through the fall months.
Go for an outdoor walk. 🚶
Zip up that jacket, put on a podcast and take time to enjoy the sights and smells of the changing leaves. Try to go on at least 2 – 3 walks of 15 minutes or more per week. Walking is great exercise, and a great way to take a step back and be present.
2. Light a scented candle. 🕯️
Nothing is better than lighting a scented candle. Creating a comfortable, cozy environment is an essential part of letting your brain and body relax and unwind.
3. Eat colorfully. 🥕
While colder weather brings comfort food, it also brings in a new variety of “in season” fruits and vegetables. Apples, squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and Brussel sprouts are a few of my favorites. I’ll link one of my favorite healthy, fall recipes here.
4. Create a bucket list. 📝
Creating a bucket list can be done individually, as a couple, or as a family. Create a list of all the fall things you wish to accomplish ranging from deep cleaning your most terrifying closet to going to the pumpkin patch. It’s very easy in the fall to sit back and relax as the days get shorter, and while that is okay to do here and there; don’t let the season pass you by.
5. Invest in something cozy. 🧦
I know... let me twist your arm: buy something for yourself! Invest in a new pair of Uggs, a pair of nice fuzzy socks, or an oversized hoodie – buy yourself something to feel good in.
6. Try a new workout class. 😰
Use the shift in season to alter your workouts. If you typically enjoy slower workouts, maybe challenge yourself and try something a little higher intensity (I suggest a Bootkamp with Devyn, of course 🙂); or if you are used to higher intensity activities, try slowing it down at a Flow class. Changing your routine is a great way to avoid burnout and to stay committed to your fitness routines!
7. Go to bed earlier. 🛌
Take advantage of the shorter days! Try going to bed 20 – 30 minutes earlier than usual. You owe it to yourself to get your rest, and getting adequate sleep is essential for your mental and physical health.
8. Connect with a friend prior to the holidays. 🎄
Reaching out to a friend or two that you have been meaning to connect with. As the holidays approach, peoples’ lives get busier and busier. Schedule a time that you can connect or plan a girls’ or guys’ night out!
9. Hit up the Farmer’s Market. 🍅
What better way to shop than locally? Pick up those fruits and vegetables, early Christmas presents, and holiday décor at the local farmer’s market. Uptown Ankeny Market is every Saturday through September 30th, and the Downtown Des Moines market runs every Saturday through October 28th. Check them both out after your Saturday morning barre class at KHY!
10. Have a Halloween Movie Marathon. 🎃👻
Last and best of all, have yourself a scary movie marathon! This is where you find me all autumn long. Treat yourself to a night in, pop some popcorn and submerge yourself into all the classic scary movies.