Fall-Time Self-Care Ideas

Fall creates stunning scenery, with the leaves changing color on the trees, morning mist, dramatic skies, and long shadows in the sunshine. Why not take a lead from nature’s beautiful changes to reflect on what you could change to improve your life and well-being? We’ve put together some fall self-care tips to help you reduce stress and feel great.

Ideas for Self-Care

1. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Many research studies have shown the benefit of being outdoors for reducing stress and improving mental and physical health. If you don’t have time to plan your activities or routes, check out the Otsego Outdoors website—https://otsegooutdoors.org. The website provides details for a range of local activities, including hiking, winter sports, fishing, cycling, and geocaching. Information on trails, parking, and nearby places to eat makes planning a trip out a breeze.

2. Cozy Up with a Book

Why not dig out some blankets and make a hot drink to provide the perfect fall backdrop to a new book? Simply browsing a bookshop can be a great way to switch off and relax. You could also enroll in your library and check out some books on self-care for further inspiration.

3. Explore Mindfulness and Meditation

Practices around mindfulness and meditation have been around for thousands of years, with reported benefits around mental health, reduced cravings, and improved sleep. Both involve living in the moment and breaking away from daily stresses. You can learn in a way that suits you through books, videos, apps, or classes.

4. Get Creative

Take inspiration from the season and do some fall-time crafts or cooking. This is the time to carve pumpkins or bake some Halloween treats. It’s also the traditional time for pickling, so why not visit a farmer’s market and enjoy the harvest? You could also start crafting for gifts to give during the holiday season.

5. Make Connections

While fall is a great time for being cozy at home and self-reflection, don’t use inclement weather as an excuse to become isolated from others. Being social promotes well-being, so enjoy seasonal activities with others. Perhaps this could be the season to take up pickleball or join a neighborhood social group. As we head toward the holiday season, alcohol can often be the focus of socializing, but you may improve your well-being if you take a moment to consider the many other options available.

Prioritizing Self-Care

With life’s many demands, prioritizing self-care can be challenging. However, taking time for yourself is an investment that helps manage stress in a healthy way. By making self-care a priority and scheduling it into your routine, you’ll experience the positive impact in every aspect of your life.

#SoberOctober #SoberCurious #SoberCommunity #SoberFun #HealthyHabits #Wellness #CelebrateSober #Halloween2024 #HalloweenSafety #AlcoholFree #FallFestivities

Sources

Nejade RM, Grace D, Bowman LR (2022) “What is the impact of nature on human health? A scoping review of the literature.” J Glob Health. Dec 16;12:04099. doi: 10.7189/jogh.12.04099. 

NIH “8 Things to Know About Meditation and Mindfulness” https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/8-things-to-know-about-meditation-and-mindfulness

All sources accessed October 21, 2024