While many assume that Andy Williams was singing about Christmas in his well known song many would argue the most wonderful time of the year is fall. Leaves are changing colors, there are ample excuses to leave hearty meals simmering in the crockpot, and pumpkin spice is everywhere! But how do we maintain our wellness as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler? Here are some tips to consider:
- Get Outdoors – Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mental health, concentration, and focus while lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Consider a daily walk to enjoy the color of the changing leaves, or lean into the yard work you know you need to get done. Want something more fun? Head to your local farm to pick apples, pumpkins, and other spoils of the season.
- Stay Hydrated – While we associate the summer with dehydration cooler weather can also dehydrate you as you sweater under layers of warm clothes, so be sure that while you out and about your requisite water based on this chart.
- Eat Autumnal – Fall gives us many delicious and healthy nutrition options including pumpkins, apples, pumpkins, pears, squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and beets. All of these are perfect for a warm and healthy soup!
- Mind Your Mental Health – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often sets in during the fall and affects million Americans. But even if you don’t suffer from seasonal depression, autumn is a good time to refocus on your mental health as it’s easy to get down when the days begin to turn cold and sunlight wanes. Practice mindfulness or start journaling, focusing on the positives in your life without invalidating any difficulties you are experiencing and the emotions that come with them, or do a digital detox.
- Get Social – Cooler weather often means more time indoors, but that can put you at risk of social isolation during the fall. Considering that social isolation can increases premature death risk, staying connected is every bit as important as other wellness activities. You can stay connected as the weather cools by attending holiday celebrations, volunteering, attending or hosting backyard bonfires, or joining in person or online clubs (books, films, cooking, sports, etc.)
Adapted from https://www.wellsteps.com/blog/2024/09/16/fall-wellness-tips/