Whether you’re an avid fan of pumpkin spice everything or simply appreciate the coziness of autumn colors, we’ve gathered the top fall health tips you need to know now. As you enjoy that crisp autumn air, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
From nourishing your body with seasonal foods to staying active amidst the falling temperatures, let’s explore some of the top fall health tips to make the most of this beautiful season!
Try Journaling
Journaling provides so many benefits, that it is something everyone should try doing.
For the fall specifically, it helps in a variety of ways.
First, journaling can help you figure out your goals and set intentions. You find clarity about your life and passions, and really figure out what you are interested in doing.
It can also help you identify areas of your life that you might want to develop. Maybe you discover you have a passion for exercise, you want to cook more, or you have a desire to travel.
Finally, journaling is a great way to de-stress. You can get all of those anxious thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
Add movement
Fall’s cooler temperatures are the perfect time to add some physical activity to your days.
If you haven’t been exercising at all recently, start with something simple such as walking.
People often underestimate how good walking is for you! It’s cardio, it gets your body moving, it helps to boost your stamina, and it can get you outside into the fresh air.
Some other gentle forms of movement that are great for the fall season are yoga and tai-chi.
My Dad took up tai-chi in his 70’s and credited it with keeping his body limber and his mind sharp.
Get Cozy with Hygge
Hygge, pronounced hyoo – guh, is the well-known Danish practice of creating a comforting and relaxing environment in your home.
While many people think it is just about being cozy with candles and warm socks, that is only part of it.
The focus is on practicing self-care, taking it easy, having more downtime, enjoying friends and family, and creating an environment that makes you feel at peace.
Unplug
It is entirely up to you how you want to try this.
It might mean an hour a day where you just write in your journal or read.
Or you could choose a day or two during the week to completely unplug from your phone, computer, or television.
An easy way to start is to not use your phone for the first hour after waking up and the last hour before you go to sleep.
If you need your phone on for emergencies, turn off all non-urgent notifications.
I have my phone set for sleep mode from 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. so only family members’ calls will ring through during those hours.
As a mom of 4, I can’t stand to be unreachable!
Recharge
Fall is about recharging!
Re-evaluate your daily routine and see if there are any tasks you can eliminate or pare down.
You know the super-busy holiday season will be here before you know it so use the autumn season to rest up and plan ahead.
Decide what obligations you are willing to spend your time on and which ones to say no to.
Try Fall Produce
Introduce more local, fresh produce into your meals.
Visit a local farmer’s market or get produce from a natural food store. The more local it is, the fresher your produce will be.
Depending on where you live, some great local fall produce might include kale, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, apples, pears, and, of course, pumpkins!
Kid time (*if you have them!)
Shorter days mean more time spent all crammed into the house together.
Rather than getting on each other’s nerves, try some bonding activities.
- Let the kids take turns decorating the table for dinner.
- Go for after-school or evening walks together.
- Take the kiddos to the library to choose books, then spend some evening time reading together.
- Have family movie-and-popcorn nights.
- Come up with creative activities!
Minimize cold & flu season
Fall is unfortunately the beginning of cold and flu season, so remember to get your flu vaccine when your doctor advises you to.
There are also some natural ways to keep your immune system healthy. You probably already follow these practices but a reminder never hurts!
Get plenty of exercise.
Sleep 7-9 hours per night.
Eat healthy foods.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and bell peppers may help keep your immune system strong.
Your body will absorb much more vitamin C from whole foods than from supplements.
Read More
Find opportunities to read a little more from books or an electronic device, instead of listening to audiobooks.
Reading takes more effort than passively listening so you are likely to be less distracted and retain more of what you read.
And did you know that reading burns more calories than watching TV?
It is still fine to listen to audiobooks, just not exclusively.
A great tip for the fall season is to read books in a different genre than you are used to.
Maybe you typically read fiction, so you decide to give autobiographies a try.
Or you could start reading historical fiction rather than self-help books.
Socialize With Your Friends
Get out there and socialize!
If you haven’t been in touch with people recently, now is a good time to make plans to meet up.
It’s really important to your mental health to be social with people you are close to.
Avoid the toxic people and only spend time with those who make you feel positive and joyful.
Do Something Creative
Do you have some hobbies that you enjoy, but haven’t made time for recently?
Now is the perfect time to give these a try.
Get out your adult coloring books and color while listening to soft music, or try painting if you haven’t done it in a while.
Play that musical instrument you used to enjoy so much. (Guitar for me! 🎸)
Creative writing or making something with your hands (sewing or knitting?) are also great ideas.
Improve Your Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest struggles with being a responsible adult is trying to focus on work while also making time for your family, friends, and yourself.
Fall is a good time to remind yourself there can be a balance, or at least a blend, between work and life.
If you have been pushing hard at work recently, find some ways to reduce your hours and workload. (I know – easier said than done!)
So, there you have it – an even dozen of the top fall health tips to help you make the most out of the beautiful autumn season.
Which ones will you try this year? Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Please let me know in the comments below.
Thanks!
