Tips To Mindfully Transition Into Fall
By: Brooke Phelps, LCSW
As we settle into the fall months, it can feel challenging to adjust your routine to keep up with the changing demands of school, work, or even the shifts in the weather! Times of transition can often feel tricky as many of the changes going on around you can feel out of your control. Below are a few ways to mindfully embrace the changes fall brings to help you feel more empowered and prepared to make the most of this season.
Take advantage of the outdoors - as the temperatures begin to cool down, this can be a great time to spend some extra time outdoors before the colder months set in. Spending time outdoors is a great way to practice mindfulness. Try adding a morning, midday, or evening walk to your daily routine and focus on using your five senses to observe nature around you. Incorporating a daily mindfulness practice is a great way to reduce stress, connect to the present, and feel more in control of your emotions throughout the day.
Reevaluate your morning routine - as the fall tends to be a more structured time than the summer, it can be a great time to reconsider different ways to get the most out of your morning routine. Spend a few minutes each morning journaling, setting intentions for how you want to feel throughout the day, practicing guided meditations, exercising, or making a nutritious breakfast before the demands of the day begin. Taking this time to practice self-care is a sure way to set yourself up for success each day.
Try new fall recipes - with so many delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables, the fall is a great time to experiment with new dishes. Cooking is a great way to continue to practice mindfulness by while preparing and enjoying your meal. Set some time aside to explore local farmers markets, practice new recipes like soups and pies, and enjoy the tasty, cozy treats of the season
Look for activities like book clubs or classes that are just for fun - activities such as book clubs, art classes, or athletic groups like running or recreational sports leagues, offer great opportunities to add fun, socialization, enrichment, and structure to your weekly routine. It can also be a great way to meet some new friends!
Reorganize and refresh your space - with the changing of the seasons, you might find its a great time to get organized, or declutter and revamp your space. Organized spaces that are functional and easy to maintain often bring inner peace of mind, which frees up more time to focus on other creative or enjoyable activities. Also, if you have a bigger space to conquer, you can incorporate a cleaning plan into your weekly routine to help get the space into a clean area!
If you are interested in talking about ways to get the most out of your routine this fall, please reach out to hello@upsidertherapy today!