FALL ISN’T BAD AT ALL
As summer fades and the crispness of fall increases with each turning leaf, here in the NEK it’s a mixture of emotions. We transition from sunny days to cooler mornings and darker nights, which can mean a melancholy feeling for many. Even if you love the season of all things plaid and pumpkin spice, it’s natural to feel the seasonal shifts and wonder what the months ahead have in store. Here’s our strategic plan for the bittersweet goodbye to summer and a warm welcome to fall!
L – Light Exposure
Greg Yeutter is a health expert who specializes in “LIGHT,” and how it affects our health. Yeutter shares in his many columns (www.medium.com) that as daylight hours decrease, so can our health, without natural light! He says to prioritize natural light exposure daily for at least 30 minutes a day. Natural light influences our circadian rhythm, mood and energy levels due to its effect on serotonin production which can help us with the end-of-summer sadness and potential winter blues.
A – Activate Your Lifestyle
Physical activity is crucial for your health! Doctors and healthcare professionals aren’t waiting for you to have a health crisis for you to start, they want you to prioritize movement now because they know the benefits activity can have on your physical and mental health. In fact, in an “exploratory study examining the core affect hypothesis of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects of physical activity,” from sciencedirect.com, they share the findings of the core effects that physical activity and it’s enhancement of positivity in people with depression symptoms. Active people fare better in all aspects of health, and the beautiful fall foliage coming to our neighborhoods is certainly an excellent backdrop for fall outdoor workouts, walks and activity!
B – Balanced Nutrition
As temperatures drop, the clothes tend to pile on and sometimes the pounds do too! When warm foods become the go-to, it doesn’t have to mean an annual weight gain. Balancing your nutrition in the fall is easy with seasonal favorites like squash, apples, and root vegetables. The National Institute of Health ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) reminds us that balanced nutrition with fruits and vegetables can enhance mood and cognitive function, which can certainly help combat the fall brain fog!
O – Organize Social Activities
We need each other. What one thing can you plan for fall to keep even a small group connected? Just one invitation can keep us actively engaged and feeling supported instead of isolated during the colder months. Can you host a game night, potluck, or movie night?
R – Reflect on Goals
What had you hoped for this summer? It’s ok if it was different than you hoped, but now is a perfect time to reflect! As we look back, it empowers us to look ahead! You may find that you have a new goal in mind for fall or that you met your summer goal and it’s time to add on. Goals give us a sense of purpose and motivation!
D – Develop New Hobbies
Speaking of goals, there’s no age limit on hobbies! Our area is always coming up with new was of engaging us to learn! From the libraries, the MAC, Old Stone House Museum and other local groups, there are new ways to stave off boredom and feelings of isolation as fall approaches no matter where you look. Jeff Karp, PhD, shares on PsychologyToday,com, that learning new skills stimulates brain activity, promotes mental resilience and even keeps our brains from shrinking! Start something new this fall to stay healthy in mind and brain!
A – Appreciate Nature’s Changes
Imagine if this was the last time you got to see the leaves change. Perhaps you end up moving or the beautiful oak tree in your yard falls down next summer. We should not take for granted the beauty around us, we should appreciate it! We know that being outside and in nature boosts our mental health, but practicing appreciation and gratitude can change our lives! It becomes contagious. Try to find one new natural beauty to appreciate every day this fall.
Y – Yield Positivity Through Mindfulness
Much like appreciating nature, mindfulness is about being here now. You can’t be lost in the worries of tomorrow or the regrets of yesterday, if you are here now. Mindfulness has been embraced around the globe for it’s significant improvements to mental health outcomes. Try focusing on gratitude and positivity in the current moment. What is good right now?
LABOR DAY might feel like a bittersweet goodbye to summer, but if you use it as our strategic plan for a warm welcome to fall, you may find that fall isn’t bad at all!