Ah, the start of fall! A lot of people look forward to the crisp weather, scented candles, bonfires, and general feeling of coziness that accompanies this season. In the coming weeks and months, people will gather for fun seasonal events — including Halloween and Thanksgiving. Transitioning from the sun and fun of summer, we are encouraged to slow down and indulge in the simple joys of life.
However, for most of us, this romanticized view of autumn is far from reality on most days. Shifting from one routine to another is tough work — no matter how organized you are! Our kids are going back-to-school and starting their extracurriculars, work schedules change, we trade in tank tops for warmer clothing, holiday season planning starts, and so on. When leisurely vacation days give way to non-stop action, your routine can suddenly feel chaotic and hurried.
Thankfully, there are proven strategies that you can use to embrace the change of seasons, and create balance in this new chapter. Here are seven of my favorite ways to achieve this goal.
Utilize the practice of radical acceptance
In counseling and psychology, radical acceptance is becoming an increasingly popular concept. The idea is best defined as “the ability to accept situations that are outside of your control without judging them, which in turn reduces the suffering that is caused by them.” (Source: verywell mind). Essentially, when we accept what we cannot change, we reduce the struggle and suffering that we experience.
How does this look when shifting routines? Imagine a morning — shortly after the school year begins — that starts out with one child feeling sick, and the other spilling their cereal on the floor. The delay of both arranging childcare and cleaning up the mess causes you to be late for work. This results in you having to work frantically to complete the project that is due that day. On top of all of this, your boss decides to call an impromptu team meeting that lasts over one hour, putting you further behind.
Could you control any of the negative events that happened that morning? Of course not! In the midst of situations like these, practicing radical acceptance can completely change the trajectory of your day. You’ll notice yourself feeling much more calm, composed, and able to conquer whatever life brings that day!
Stick with the good habits you’ve worked hard to build
Autumn brings with it a unique set of health and wellness challenges. After building positive habits during the summer months — such as exercising outdoors and eating fresh, local produce — you may be tempted to take it easy. The combination of the impending holiday season, busy schedules, and cold weather can derail healthy diets and lead to being sedentary.
Rather than giving up your positive summer routines, adapt and tweak them so that you can continue to work on being your best self. For example, rather than grabbing fast food in between your work and your child’s ballet recital, prepare a nutritious grab-and-go meal in advance. Oftentimes, minor adjustments are all that is needed to keep you and your family healthy and feeling great!
Give yourself an abundance of patience and grace
Adjusting to a new daily routine, changing weather patterns, and the like is challenging. There will inevitably be times that you don’t feel like working out, preparing a healthy meal, or making the “best” choices possible. This is completely ok!
No one can perfectly transition from one season of life to the next. Thinking that you can do so is unrealistic, and sets you up for negative self-talk and disappointment. Instead, give yourself an abundance of patience, kindness, and grace. Knowing that there will be slip ups along the way will allow you to get back to your healthy habits without the shame and guilt!
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Make fun changes to your daily routine
In addition to changing your daily routine in mandatory ways, shake things up in fun ways as well! Do things that bring you joy during the fall months. This can include everything from ordering your favorite fall beverage (pumpkin spice, anyone?) to watching the leaves fall and change colors at your favorite neighborhood park. Intentionally planning simple ways to enjoy your daily routine can make the shift of seasons far more delightful.
Monitor changes in your mental well-being
Less daylight means that cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begin to rise. While it is always important to monitor your mental well-being, doing so in the fall months becomes even more essential. If you begin experiencing feelings of depression, hopelessness, increased fatigue, wanting to withdraw from others, and sadness, be sure to consult with a mental health professional right away.
Boost your immune system
Fall is also the time of year where cases of the common cold, flu, and other viruses begin to spike. This year, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, make every effort to boost your immune system. On top of conventional methods of protecting yourself from these viruses, you can also enhance your immune system with natural solutions — such as elderberry syrup, green tea, citrus fruits, and other nutritious foods. There are also some supplements that I love for increasing our antioxidant intake to support our immune system.
Use fall’s simple pleasures to help you stay mindful
Colorful, falling leaves. A warm cup of cider. A crisp breeze. So many of the things we think of when talking about fall are excellent for staying mindful. Focusing on these simple pleasures can keep us grounded in the present moment and making sure that we Eat, Move & RechargeTM our way to better health.
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
