Week 2 of the Fall Into Wellness Challenge!
Happy Fall, ladies! 🍂 This is such a magical time of year—the leaves are turning vibrant colors, the air is crisp, and yes, pumpkin spice is officially everywhere. While fall often feels like a “back to school” season, it’s also the perfect time for reflection and comforting routines after a busy summer.
But one thing we often overlook as we settle into fall is self-care. As the days get shorter and our schedules busier, it’s essential to establish or refresh self-care habits to stay energized and maintain a positive mood. This will not only help us through the hustle of the fall season but also prepare us for the winter months ahead.
Here are some simple fall self-care rituals to help you feel your best during this transitional season.
1. Morning Rituals to Jumpstart Your Day
In a recent blog post and YouTube video, I shared my personal morning routine. If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s a great time! Giving yourself that quiet time in the morning to focus on your needs sets the tone for a productive, balanced day. For me, it’s all about journaling, stretching, meditating, and a bit of exercise. These habits help boost my energy and keep my mood in check.
Other fall-inspired morning self-care rituals you might want to try include:
- Starting a gratitude journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning to set a positive mindset for the day ahead.
- Meal prep: Plan and prep your meals for the day so you’re not scrambling at lunchtime. Fall soups and salads are easy to prepare and can keep you nourished.
- Hydrate: Start your day with a tall glass of water—maybe even add a slice of seasonal fruit like apple or pear!
- Get outside: Increase your daily steps by taking a quick, 10-minute walk around the block while soaking in the crisp fall air and listening to your favorite tunes.
2. Midday Pick-Me-Ups to Stay Energized
If you’re like me, most of your days are spent in the office. But that doesn’t mean self-care has to stop at your desk. Here are some ways to bring self-care into your workday:
- Healthy snacks: My current go-to is roasted soybeans. They’re crunchy, packed with protein, and a great source of phytoestrogens—perfect for women in midlife.
- Take a real break: Step away from your desk! Whether it’s taking a walk or enjoying lunch in a quiet spot, a midday break can recharge your energy.
- Extra steps: Park further away from the office or take the stairs for a simple way to move more during the day.
- Water, water, water: Keep a water bottle at your desk and make hydration fun. Try drinking a sip every time you finish a task, like hanging up the phone or sending an email.
These small, mindful breaks can keep you refreshed and energized throughout the workday.
3. Evening Wind-Down Rituals for Better Sleep
After a busy day, a relaxing evening routine is key to unwinding and getting restful sleep. If you’re going to bed with an unfinished to-do list swirling in your mind, it may be why you’re waking up in the middle of the night. Unresolved stress raises cortisol levels, making it harder to fully relax.
To ease into a restful night’s sleep, I love to journal before bed. Writing down any worries or stresses allows my mind to process and let go. Here are more ways to wind down and practice self-care in the evening:
- Read a book: Escape into a novel or read something uplifting to clear your mind.
- Take a warm bath: Add some Epsom salts or your favorite fall-scented bath oils to soothe tired muscles.
- Do a short, relaxing yoga video: Try a calming 10-minute yoga flow to stretch out any tension from the day.
- Meditate: Even five minutes of meditation can bring peace and calm to your evening.
- Listen to calming music: Create a relaxing playlist or find some ambient music to help you unwind.
4. Boost Your Self-Care with the Fall Into Wellness Workbook
To make the most of your self-care journey this fall, don’t forget to check out Week 2’s worksheet in the Fall Into Wellness Workbook! This worksheet is designed to help you explore new self-care ideas and build habits that truly support your well-being.
Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s worksheet:
- 20 self-care ideas: From simple, mindful moments to more indulgent practices, this list is full of suggestions to inspire your fall wellness routine.
- Reflection space: After trying out a new self-care practice, take a moment to reflect on how it made you feel. Did it boost your mood? Help you relax? Noticing these changes will help you fine-tune your routine.
- Weekly habit tracker: Stay on track by noting down the self-care practices that work best for you. This will help you stay consistent and create lasting habits as we move further into the season.
This worksheet is a great tool to keep yourself accountable and mindful as you embrace new self-care rituals. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reflect on your progress and celebrate the small wins along the way!
Fall Into Wellness Challenge
As we move through Week 2 of our Fall Into Wellness series, I encourage you to try incorporating one or two of these rituals into your daily routine. By making these small changes, you can boost your mood, elevate your energy levels, and create a sense of balance as we move into the colder months.
What are your favorite fall self-care practices? Share them in the comments or join the conversation on social media using #FallIntoWellness. Let’s inspire and support each other to make this season the healthiest, happiest one yet!
The Fall Into Wellness Challenge:
