5 Ways to Practice Self-Care During the Fall Saeson

September 23rd marks the end of the summer and officially brings us into Autumn! With the Dog Days behind us, children have returned to school, temperatures have (ideally) begun to drop, and we start to brace ourselves for the fast-approaching holiday season.

Although the idea of dusting off our favorite Fall outfits and prepping for the holidays is exciting for most, this time of year can often be overwhelming and stressful if we allow it to get the better of us.

Whether it be shopping for gifts, scheduling travel plans, coordinating get-togethers, or having to prepare for dreaded visits from our not-so-favorite family members, this time of year can make us want to pull our hair out and test our patience time and time again.

Though we may be tempted to reach for a glass (or bottle) of our favorite wine to ease the stress, it is good to remember that there are several fun and engaging activities that help decompress and lift our holiday spirits!

Here are five creative ways that we can practice self-care during the holiday season.

Start Decorating Around your House

For those with creative tendencies, the holidays are an excellent time of year for us to channel our inner home decorator! Making sure the house looks extra spooky for the trick-or-treaters can be a great way to occupy time with family and friends!

If you don’t feel like using the same old decorations you have, you can always go shopping for new ones or take pleasure in making your own as a fun arts and crafts project!

Spice up your Culinary Skills

Halloween candy, Thanksgiving turkey, and Christmas cookies are just a few of the delicious treats we get to enjoy during this time of year, and as the holidays approach, we can expect to be doing a lot of cooking. Learning how to make new dishes is a fun and therapeutic activity that yields delicious results.

Take an opportunity to browse your local bookstore for autumn-themed cookbooks or look for new and exciting recipes online!

Some recipes could include:

●     Fall Vegetable Quinoa Soup

●     Asian Lemongrass Roast Turkey

●     Butternut Squash Casserole

●     Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

●     Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Participate in Local Events

During fall, there is sure to be an abundance of different local events that you can participate in. You don’t have to travel all the way to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest. Check online or read your local newspaper to see if any special festivities are occurring at nearby breweries or cultural centers. If something like Oktoberfest isn’t exactly your style, you could always go to a haunted house, visit a pumpkin patch, or see a scary movie for fun!

Revamp Your Wardrobe

Now is the time of year when we trade in sundresses and sandals for flannel shirts and our favorite pair of boots. It can be refreshing to finally be able to change up your wardrobe as we move into the cooler months. However, if you feel like your clothes may be a little outdated, now is an excellent chance to change up your style. Clothes shopping can be a fun and exciting activity. Spoil yourself by checking out new collections at your favorite store or outlet mall. Those of you who are looking to save some cash while still treating yourself, search for hidden gems to add to your closet and your local thrift store!

Participate in Outdoor Activities

One of the reasons that we love Autumn so much is because it gives us a desirable change in climate and the opportunity to enjoy more temperate weather conditions. This presents a unique opportunity to venture to the outdoors and enjoy many activities that may be more difficult to enjoy during other times of the year.

Several studies have shown that spending more time outside has a range of health benefits including improved sleep, reduction of depression and anxiety, as well as a boost in our immune systems.

Consider the following activities:

●     Bike Riding

●     Running/Walking

●     Picnicking

●     Hiking

●     Landscaping

●     Gardening

This only scratches the surface of the many outside activities you can take part in!

Whether you decide to participate in some or all of these activities, it is important to remember that you deserve to enjoy fun, relaxing activities that make you feel good. Remember to take some time for yourself in this busy season.

Happy Fall!