As the change from summer to fall becomes undeniable, we need to reset our routines to better align with the new season. If you’re the kind of person who looks longingly at your sweaters all summer, then the arrival of autumn welcomed with open arms. Others might be dreading the chill in the evenings and the turning of the leaves. Everyone feels different about the change of seasons. Wherever you stand, we’ve put together a list of our favourite ways to create a fall routine and embrace the changing of the seasons.
1. Sleep
As the light begins to dwindle, make sleep a priority to give your body lots of time to rest. If you struggle to wind down in the evening, try making yourself a personalized nighttime routine. Make taking a relaxing bath, doing your skincare routine, and sipping on a soothing cup of tea part of your evening and make going to bed something to look forward to.
2. Nourish
Food is a part of everyone’s daily routine and as temperatures shift, it’s important to embrace the ingredients that come with the season. This pumpkin turmeric smoothie bowl can be eaten for breakfast or lunch can help amp up your healthy routines and helps save time as you plan your day. Fall is also the perfect time to cozy up with a warm beverage, like one of these upgraded fall drinks that are packed with amazing ingredients that nourish you from the inside out. Pair them with this golden pumpkin spice loaf for a delicious, nutritious, and comforting snack that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
3. Hydrate
When it’s hot out, its easier to remember to drink lots of water, but staying properly hydrated never goes out of season and should be part of any healthy routine. You don’t have to stick to water, add in some fun drinks to make staying hydrated exciting.
4. Movement
Summer is known as a season full of outdoor fun, but don’t be fooled, autumn has lots to offer as well! Keeping yourself active during times of change helps keep you grounded. Now is a great time to try out a new class or find a workout buddy to help you both stay accountable. Fall is also a great time to hike as the cooler weather and changing leaves bring their own beauty.
5. Reflect
With colder weather pushing us inside, it’s a good time to turn inward, quite literally. As fall unfolds, take some time to reflect on the things you have been doing, what you are doing, and what things you want to do or accomplish in the coming months. Our future goals can take all shapes and sizes, no task is too small. Maybe you want to read a book, make time to meditate or learn a new language. There are so many possibilities but remember that there are no wrong answers. This time is simply an opportunity to think back to and about the things you are doing in your life and re-center yourself so that you continue to reach your dreams.
6. Keep Caring about Yourself
Self care has no season, it’s always in style. While you may have developed good routines the last few months, continue to include self-care into your daily schedule. Being gentle with yourself through the external changes makes those transitions easier. Read more on some of the many benefits of self-care on our blog.
7. Continue to find joy
Although fall may not be your favorite season, keep an open mind and make room for joy! Find ways that you can enjoy the season, like learning a new skill, going on a walk with a friend, or visiting a pumpkin patch. Follow the activities that give you moments of joy during this time.
8. Manage your SAD-ness
Many of us go through times where we experience low moods, fatigue, and a lack of energy. Sometimes, these persistent low moods can impact our emotions, cognitive ability, and ability to cope with and complete daily tasks. [1] If these changes in mood affect you for long periods of time, particularly during seasonal changes, you may be dealing with seasonal affective disorder or SAD. [2] SAD is a reoccurring depressive disorder that most often impacts people during the fall and winter months but also sometimes in the late spring and early summer. [3]
It is important to start noticing and naming how we feel so that we can figure out how to adequately support ourselves. If you think you are dealing with SAD, reach out to a healthcare professional. Some of the most common treatments include antidepressants, light therapy, Vitamin D, and counselling. [4] If you are looking for counselling services in BC, you can call the Crisis Line 24/7/365 to receive emotional support, intervention, or resource information. For more long-term counselling options, find a counsellor that fits your needs and choose from hundreds of Registered Clinical Counsellors. Most importantly, speak up, reach out, and ask for help. You matter! There are so many people and resources that want to help support you through the changing seasons.
These are some of the ways we at Botanica are supporting ourselves through seasonal changes. Let us know what you do to maintain a healthy routine during these times!
References
[1] “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), accessed September 21, 2022, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder.
[2] Sherri Melrose, “Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches,” Depression research and treatment (Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673349/.
[3] Melrose, “Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches.”
[4] “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
