Fall is here.
I love this season with the winds, the rain, the changing of the leaves and the cozy evenings in front of the fireplace. I soak in every moment of this special time and I can feel how my entire being relaxes after the long months of summer.
Whether you feel the same way about this season or are for the return of summer, one thing is for sure: as the season changes, our bodies change.
It’s a natural process and you’ll likely notice it in many small details throughout your day. You might feel less energetic, crave different kinds of food, need more sleep and more anchors for a positive mood. You might notice that your body needs some extra TLC in this time of transition and it has special needs you need to address.
So, how can you treat your body and yourself with kindness in fall and not neglect it after a beautiful summer?
Here are a few ideas for you:
Be a kid again!
Remember the many times you played in the fallen leaves, noticing the sound of them crunching underfoot? Do that again. Jump into the colorful leaves, smell their typical smell and just play.
Eat foods that soothe your soul and warm your body.
Now that summer is over, your body’s nutritional needs have changed too. Listen to its needs and give it warmer, more hearty or filling food. Your body will likely crave more soups, more casseroles and altogether more nourishing foods. Eat seasonal foods like pumpkin, kiwi, dates, turnips, sweet potatoes, squash, cauliflower, pears, parsnips, brussel sprouts or apples.
Spend a lot of time outside!
Just because it may be colder, you don’t have to sit inside all the time. Go for a walk and let the wind blow all your sorrows away. Pick up horse chestnuts along the way and roast them at home to really soak in the feeling of fall.
Give yourself plenty of downtime.
With the shorter days and the lack of sunshine, your body will naturally crave more rest. Don’t fight it. Instead, decorate your home for fall, light some candles or incense and read a few novels in your favorite corner of your home.
Wear bright colors!
Who says that your clothes have to be all dark and gloomy in fall? Put on some bright colors, sparkling shirts or dresses. You’ll not only stand out from the crowd, but it’ll also boost your mood whenever the weather puts you down.
Moisten your skin
Just as the leaves begin to loose their moisture, so do we. You’ll most likely notice that your skin is dry, so be sure to treat it to moisture body lotion at least once a day.
Pay attention to the changes in your body and the changes in your needs.
In the end, your body knows best what it needs and what it doesn’t need in this season. Listen to it and simply give it what it needs. The more attune you are with your body in this time of the year, the better, happier and more relaxed you’ll make it through the colder days.
What are your tips to treating your body and yourself with kindness in this season?
I love to walk outside at night… it gets dark so early, and it smells so good outside. And the temps are really really cold! during the day, the sun shines, but it is still cold and we live on a hill, and there are times when you can smell the Lays potato chip plant going, and the air smells so good, so I will sit out in the sun and just relax on my porch. Other times, I will go for a drive on my favorite winding road, the trees are pretty much turned right now, and I will stop and pick my favorite color leaves from different types of trees. I will go for a swim at the pool ( indoors of course LOL) and I like to just read and take naps too…. and I do like to make butternut squash soup and potato soup and chicken noodle soup all from scratch… they are soooooo good. 🙂 this is all when my mood is where it should be …. 😉
This sounds wonderful, Karen. I too love to be outside in this season and love soups sooo much. They’re just so good for the soul. 🙂
I almost forgot….. I absolutely LOVE…… bath and body works body Creams….. right now for fall I have Vermont Honey Apple… oh it smells soooooo good. that can pick my mood up…. well some of the time, but it is worth a shot!!
I’ve never tried them and unfortunately we don’t have them here but it sounds truly delicious. 🙂
Because I live in the north, I get outside as much as I possibly can. Even cloudy light is good for me and my mood! I walk all winter long!
I also make a lot of great vegetarian food for myself for the week, freezing some for later! While I miss summer, I love every season, and fall is wonderful. I continue to do my favorite artistic pursuit- photography- even as the days get shorter and shorter. Can’t wait for the right time, you have to do the best you can in the conditions that life throws at you!
OH- and for moisturizing- I have converted to all coconut oil. No fillers, perfumes, dyes or artificial anything! 🙂
Hey Deb, thanks for commenting. I so agree that you have to look at the bright side and there are always ways to make the best of every season. I love photography too and with the changing of the season and the colors, there are so many great opportunities to take great shots.
I haven’t tried coconut oil yet, but it sounds so nourishing for the skin. Will have to give that a try. 🙂