After the lazy summer months, fall brings with it new beginnings but also new things to do, and not all of them are so relaxing. School starting, coming back to work after vacation, the holiday chaos on the horizon, and life, in general, getting back to its normal fast-paced rhythm can make the first weeks of fall feel quite overwhelming. As a mom, you may find that your schedule is split between a million responsibilities and that you don’t have a lot of time left for yourself. But while getting caught in all your to-do’s can seem unavoidable, self-care should always be a priority. Not just for your mental wellbeing, but for your physical health as well.
Here are six easy ways to practice self-care this fall:
Mind your diet
It’s much easier to eat healthy in summer, simply because fresh fruits and vegetables are more readily available. As fall rolls around, you may be tempted to forget about greens in your diet and switch to typical fall comfort foods. However, these are best enjoyed in moderation, nutritionists explain. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional pizza, cookie, or pumpkin spice latte, but these foods are low in nutrients and high in calories, which can affect our health over time. Our immunity tends to get weaker in the fall, and there are more viruses going around, so your body needs healthy fuel to keep illness at bay. For a healthy balance, make sure you also include sources of good nutrition in your diet, such as seasonal legumes, whole grains, and natural anti inflammatory supplements into your diet. And, don’t forget: no matter how busy you are, try to have a consistent meal schedule. Supplements can help, but make sure you take them according to your doctor’s instructions and that you don’t use them as replacements for a balanced diet.
Find time for meditation.
Meditation is one of the best ways to clear your mind and break free from negative thoughts when the world around you looks crazy and chaotic. Don’t worry if the practice seems intimidating at first. Anyone can meditate, and you can start with short, five-minute sessions when you get a break. Download a meditation app (there are many free ones in app stores) and start with basic exercises; they’re as easy as closing your eyes and focusing on how your mind and body are feeling. In time, this habit of slowing down, focusing on the present, and acknowledging your feelings will become second nature and will help you reduce stress and boost emotional resilience. Along with meditation, you can also try journaling. You don’t need expert writing skills for this, and writing down your thoughts throughout the day can help you be in tune with your emotions and stop negative thought patterns.
Explore new hobbies
Fall is the perfect time to start something new, so why not take this opportunity to explore new hobbies? It doesn’t have to be anything crazy expensive or time-consuming, and you don’t have to take up mountain biking if you’re not an outdoorsy person. Some hobbies only require some crafting supplies and a bit of imagination. Others, just a smartphone – on this website there is a great example of that. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box and, while you’re at it, you can also join online communities based on those hobbies. This way, you can also meet people and make new friends!
Go for a walk
Going for a walk is a low-impact form of exercise that doctors recommend all year round. But if we’re thinking about the best season to go for a walk outside, that’s definitely fall. After unbearable heat waves, there’s something irresistible about the crisp air and the piles of colorful leaves that make it difficult to stay indoors. Going for a walk is a great way to reach your daily recommended step count, but it’s good for your mental health too. Studies have found that, in addition to promoting heart health, walking also boosts energy levels and reduces the risk of anxiety, stress, and depression. It’s even easier to come up with creative ideas while you’re walking! If you’re not used to walking, one great way to get into it is to park a little farther away from the office or to leave your car at home when you’re running errands.
Be unapologetically comfy
Not all your free time has to be spent doing something “productive.” Self-care is all about doing things that make you happy and give you time to breathe and be yourself. Sometimes, that’s riding your bike in the park or learning a new recipe. Other times, self-care is staying in on Friday night, lighting your favorite scented candle, snuggling up on the couch in a fluffy blanket, and doing your nails while listening to a podcast. And that’s perfectly ok. Fall is the best season to get comfy, so don’t feel guilty if you’re not doing anything today. You deserve it. Don’t neglect your sleeping schedule either. Ideally, you should get between seven to nine hours of sleep. Anything less than that, and your risk of experiencing stress and fatigue will spike.
Revamp your closet
The first days of fall can be a bit confusing fashion-wise because it’s not cold enough for chunky knits and boots, but not quite warm for T-shirts either. This can make it pretty difficult to get ready in the morning, and you might miss a good half hour staring at your closet, wondering what to wear. To streamline your closet and always have a killer outfit on rotation, find a couple of hours at the weekend to take everything out, give your closet a good scrub, and rearrange all your clothes. This is a great opportunity to donate the clothes you no longer feel good in, rediscover old pieces, and think of new outfit combinations. If a key piece is missing from your closet, make that investment. Few things are as satisfying as leaving the house on an October morning dressed in a brand-new fluffy cardigan.
