Easy Ways To Achieve The Best Autumn Self-Care

While many people love the changes that fall brings, for others it can be a real challenge. Stress on the body, as we move into darker days and colder weather, and the mental stress of the holidays combine during this time. This combination makes it necessary to have a plan for self-care in place. Taking time to plan now will help avoid stress or "not
knowing where to start" during those stressful times. Self-care means we can avoid over taxing ourselves to the point of burn-out. 

Rest

Grab your favorite warm drink, a warm blanket, fuzzy socks, scented candles or incense and a pillow or three and take the time you need to rest and recharge. 

For some this can mean napping but for others it may be reading something you have had on your shelf and have not gotten around to or binge watching a show or movies. Whatever appeals is what you need to do.





Let It Go
 
At this time the trees shed all those dead and dying leaves and you can use that as a lesson in letting go. Be like a tree and let go of what no longer serves you! 

Maybe it is time to shed what you said yes to and then wished you hadn't, old "friendships" that no longer support you, an old job that you dread going to daily? Staying away from people that seem to just suck the life out of you along with anything that does not support your best interest are all hard but necessary things to let go.

Perhaps, it is something less serious: clutter, old clothing that you no longer love, a bad habit that drags you down or time spent doing things that really don't matter. AND don't forget to say NO to things that are not an immediate "yes" in your heart.

Social media purge anyone?

Light Up Your Life


Get out into the sunshine! You NEED the sun! It is imperative for the production/absorption of vitamin D and for keeping your "inner clock" or circadian rhythms in sync. 

Vitamin D plays a big role in the regulation of calcium and maintenance of phosphorus levels in the blood, which is one of the things that keeps bones and teeth healthy. 

Being out in the sun also reduces depression and anxiety, aids weight loss by regulating our metabolism,  and supports our immune system. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of Multiple Sclerosis and aids in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder and PMS.

Health experts recommend 10-20 minutes of morning sun each day. 

Feed Your Body

Feeding yourself with the colorful flavors of fall is not only a delicious way to incorporate self-care but a healthy one too! Pumpkins, lettuces, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and a multitude of squash are all available in abundance this time of year so go for it!

     Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe (2 servings)

Add the following to a blender:
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 1/2 cup skim milk
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
Turn on the blender for a few moments. Turn off and then add:
2/3 cup (150g) pumpkin puree (canned, frozen or fresh)
1 frozen banana
1 cup ice
Turn the blender on high for 2 minutes. Pour into two glasses and serve. 

You may also use substitutions for some ingredients:
Greek Vanilla yogurt: plain, non-greek types
Skim milk: almond, cashew, soy, goat or any other milk you enjoy.
Maple Syrup: Agave, honey, molasses, brown rice syrup
Pumpkin Pie Spice: cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice; all "to taste"

Get Grounded

Do something to celebrate your body. It is so amazing and it does so many wonderful things for you every single day. Do something nice for it! Take a long bath, walk along the beach, get a new haircut, pamper yourself with a massage (self massage counts!), a pedicure or meditation time.

Ask yourself what you NEED and do THAT. This helps to bring you back down to earth and makes you "feel" your body's connection to "the real you". 

Be Grateful

Start a gratitude practice. Gratitude affirmations are a beautiful way to start the day. 
One to try:

Today I am thankful for the ability to recognize all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me in the past, in the present and those that are coming in the future.

Journal, post online or even write it out on a slip of paper and throw it in a fire to release that gratitude back into the universe. 

When you feel "stuck" try some of the prompts below.

Today I am grateful for:

Pet

Family Member

Friend

Stranger

Teacher

School

Bully

Sense

Knowledge

Book

Experience

Job

Mistake

Body Part

Challenge
View
Kindness
Room in your home
Promises
Risks
Adventure
Form of movement
Drink
Upcoming event/trip

Song

Piece of Art

Drink or Food

Tradition

Site/Place

Season

Holiday

Childhood Lesson

Surprise

Product 

Change

Season

Talent

Charity

Technology

Color

Food

Thing in nature
Social media platform
Hero
Emotion
Gift
Local spot
Game