6 Easy Ways to Prioritize Your Wellness This Fall
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved the fall. My dad’s birthday was at the start of October, I got married on the most beautiful fall afternoon, and it’s always around this time of year when I find myself anxiously awaiting skating season to start. As magical as a warm summer night at the cottage is, there’s something incredibly special about the fall. If you ask me, it’s truly the perfect time to shift our focus inwards and prioritize our wellness routine.
Prioritizing our wellness isn’t always the easiest task in the world. Life happens, things come up, we get busy, and we before we know it, we seem to be at the bottom of our priority list. I’d love to sit here and say that the fall is a wonderful opportunity for us to slow down, but the reality is that for so many of us, the fall is a very busy time. Kids are back in school, activities are starting up once again, and we may find ourselves with less vacation time. What the fall months can do, however, is act as a reminder that just as the seasons change, so do we. The time we have available will change, the activities we can do outside will change, the number of daylight hours will change, the weather will change, and so will we. So instead of getting caught up in the things that we may not be able to do anymore, let’s focus on ways we can still prioritize our wellness, instead.
Also read: 4 Benefits of Getting Outside
6 Easy Ways to Prioritize Your Wellness This Fall
1. GET COZY
When I think of the fall, the first thing I think about is anything and everything cozy. Cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and large blankets. I have a few quilts made by my grandmother and my aunt, and I feel like it’s the unofficial start to fall when I bring them out. If you ask me, coziness is essential for fall wellness. It’s comforting, it’s welcoming, and it’s the perfect way to put yourself first, especially when you’re busy.
2. FIND AN OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
In the summer, one of my favourite activities is swimming. Whether it’s at the cottage, in the pool, or at the beach, I absolutely love being in the water. Of course, however, this isn’t exactly the most accessible activity in the fall. It can feel really tough when our favourite activities aren’t available to us, and can easily make us feel stuck inside, especially with so many of us still working from home. I invite you to look for an activity that gets you outside to prioritize your wellness this fall. It doesn’t need to be strenuous or taxing. For me, I absolutely love moving my yoga practice outside, going for walks with my neighbour, and riding my bike with my husband. Other activities can include going apple picking, visiting a local farmer’s market, or finding a wagon ride. Focus on what you enjoy and get outside to embrace the fall colours and weather.
3. LOOK FOR THE BEAUTY IN THE CHANGE
Change can feel incredibly painful and uncomfortable, can’t it? We may instinctively feel called to hold on to what we know now out of fear of the unknown. However, as much as we may try to fight it, change is inevitable. Fall reminds us that change can be beautiful and open up a whole world of colours and opportunities. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to trust the process and trust ourselves.
4. NOURISH YOUR BODY
Food is fuel. Nourish your body with good food to give you the strength and energy you need to do all of the wonderful activities you wish to do this year. Warm up with something cozy, gather around with loved ones and enjoy yourself. Wellness comes in so many different forms, and it starts with nourishing and fuelling your body.
5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Let the fall be a reminder to practice gratitude daily. Give thanks for all that you have, all that you are, and all that you wish to be. There are several ways you can practice gratitude: you can journal, meditate, go on walks, write letters, donate, give back, talk with someone you love. Regardless, focus on the things that you love - the things you’re grateful for.
6. EXPAND YOUR MIND
I can’t be the only one who finds reading on a fall afternoon with a cup of tea by my side to be one of the most enjoyable things about the season. Reading expands your mind by opening up a world of possibilities. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, find something you enjoy, slip into something comfy, and get lost in your book.