Taking Care of Yourself this Season
The leaves are changing colors, the days are getting shorter, and the air is getting cooler, which means falls is here (and that all the mosquitos will be going away soon, too).
Every change of season is a great time to check in with yourself and take inventory of how you’re doing. How are you? How have you been physically? How has your mental health been? How are the relationships in your life making you feel? Asking yourself these questions can help you figure out if you need to make a change, seek advice/help, or see a doctor.
Here are some ways or you take care of yourself this fall:
1) Make a wellness appointment with your doctor.
This is especially important if you haven’t seen a doctor in a while. Getting a physical is a great way to get any concerns addressed and to screen for issues you might not be aware of.
Prevention is better than intervention.
2) Drink water.
We think a lot about hydrating in the warmer months but remember, your body is about 60% water, and we need plenty of it to survive and feel our best. The cooler air is drier than the humid months, so while we may not feel thirsty as much, make sure you are still downing those ounces.
3) Eat seasonal food.
Seasonal foods are good for your body and mind. Fall means an abundance of apples, pears, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. Not only is eating seasonal good for you, but it’s also good for the world. Eating seasonally reduces the demand for out of season produce which further supports more local produce and supports local farming in your area which reduces the produce’s carbon footprint.
This is a great resource to see what produce is in season in your area: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/
4) Get enough sleep.
Again, this isn’t just for your physical wellbeing, sleep is crucial for mental health. Sleep helps energy levels, improves brain function, but it also facilitates the brain's processing of emotional information. During sleep, the brain works to process thoughts, emotions, and memories. As the season makes itself at home, you may start to feel tired earlier in the day. Listen to your body and make sure you are getting the sleep you need.
5) Take care of your mental health.
Have you heard of S.A.D— Seasonal Affective Disorder? It’s a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. While most people associate it with the winter months, S.A.D can happen in fall, too. One reason being the lack of daylight after the time change. It messes with our circadian rhythm, so make sure you are getting outside each day. Walking in the morning, in the brightest sun, is a great way to prepare your body for sleep later in the day.
If you don't feel like yourself during the Autumn months, know you’re not alone, but also don’t hesitate in seeking support. There is no harm in needing some extra help and support during the next few months (or at any time). And with the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect time to take inventory of how you are feeling. Perhaps you need to set some boundaries with people, make plans, cancel plans, talk to a therapist… Remember: Mental Health IS Health!
There are plenty of ways to have a healthy fall, these are just some of my personal favorites.
Enjoy the cooler temps, the fall festivals, the fire pits, the hiking, and all the warm drinks, but also take international time to figure out what you need for a healthy and happy fall and then make it happen.
