Fall gives us the opportunity to start fresh. Maybe it is the reminiscent feeling of a new school year that seems forever embedded in our psyche or that labor day marks the finality of summer. The crispness in the air, the bounty of squash, and the changing of the leaves offer up invigorating energy and inspiration. A new season affords many chances to make small positive shifts in your life which will hopefully motivate you to lead a healthier and more purposeful autumn. Here are 6 ways to have a healthy and a happy fall.
1. Try a new workout: My current favorite is Nicole Winhoffer's NW method. I get bored easily and love to switch up my workout routine and try a new class. I always leave Nicole's class with a giant smile on my face. Find something new that inspires and motivates you.
2. Unplug: Being connected and trying to keep up on social media, blogs and websites in our digitally obsessed environment can be exhausting. More often than ever, I am feeling overwhelmed by the continual onslaught of content. A goal of mine is to find at least one hour of every day to remove all forms of social media interaction. I'll take a long walk with my dog and listen to a podcast, turn on some music and cook (and not document it), or read a book.
3. Be a veghead: Practice a more plant-forward lifestyle. Place the primary focus of your meals on plant-based foods. Plant-based foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes. Allow meat, eggs, and dairy to be an accompaniment to the meal or to show up at one meal instead of all three. Following a more plant-forward lifestyle not only allows you to consume a diverse amount of natural vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, fiber, and antioxidants which support human health, but also reduces the environmental implications from factory farms and increases awareness on animal welfare.
4. Sleep deep: You have heard it time and time again, but getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night allows you to feel your best and to perform at an optimal level. Create a ritual every evening such as taking a warm bath, drinking chamomile tea, or reading a book. These rituals alert your body that it is time to unwind. Avoid screen exposure at least 30 minutes to an hour before your designated bedtime - and yes you should have a bedtime.
5. Focus on you: Instead of constantly comparing what everyone around you is doing or going, focus in on your own journey and goals. It seems as though everyone is trying to climb that ladder. Sometimes it is best to stop pushing and let things take their course naturally.
6. Baby goals: Set small, realistic goals for yourself that you can achieve and feel accomplished when you do. Rather than "I am going to lose five pounds in one week," try "I am going to workout four days this week." Instead of "I am going to quit drinking," consider "I am only going to have two alcoholic beverages this week." Set different goals each week that push you to change, but are not so extreme that they lead to disappointment and regret.
What changes are you making this fall? I would love to hear!
