What’s that we hear? It’s the crunching of leaves underfoot, the breeze blowing against the window, the sound of kids getting off the school bus. The sounds of autumn are everywhere, urging us to curl up, warm up, and get together.
Togetherness and wellness go hand-in-hand. Companionship and socialization can have a major impact on your mental health and mood, and fall is the perfect time to feel warm and cozy with the people and places you care for most. The cooler weather and cozy activities don’t hurt either.
Give yourself permission to lounge amidst comfortable, comforting elements this season to honor the fall and get ready for winter.
Welcome the Weather With Intention and Purpose
For many regions, October is the first real taste of fall weather. September is technically summer until the equinox, but October brings about changing, falling leaves, cool mornings, and darker evenings.
If you approach seasonal changes with trepidation, reframe how you see the autumn and create a ritual that speaks to your spirit as a way to embrace what’s to come.
Perhaps it’s lighting a candle (more on that below) and setting an intention for the season or letting go of what you felt was dragging you down in summer. It could be a specific yoga flow or chant, a visit to your acupuncturist or massage therapist to release any tension, or even ushering in the season by changing your hair color.
Whatever gets you in the spirit of autumn and helps you look forward to the changes counts.
Light Up the Dark
The days get shorter as fall dips towards winter.
Bring brightness to the season with aromatic candles made from natural essential oils; try aromatherapeutic blends of rosemary and orange to uplift your space or lavender and chamomile to calm.
Bring light from your heart and soul, too. As the days get shorter and darker, go out of your way to be kind to those around you. Help your neighbor rake leaves, bring a loaf of pumpkin bread to the new arrival in the neighborhood, or lend a hand at school when you have a day off. The warm fuzzies are about so much more than comfy blankets.
Feather Your Nest
If you live in a cooler climate, you’ll likely be spending more time at home as the weather changes. Make your home a place you want to curl up in with rich textures and fabrics that practically beg you to touch them, like velvet and real or imitation cashmere and wool blends. It’s OK to hit the brakes on your fast-paced lifestyle and spend an evening or two on the cough; that solace and quiet can be restorative for your spirit and help you tackle challenges with a clearer mind.
Warm Uup With a Cozy Drink
Nothing says “Fall is here” like a mittened hand and hot drink. Swap your pumpkin spice latte for a beneficial herbal tea or Golden Milk to treat your body to more holistic care and cozy warmth. We love Golden Milk in the fall season because it brings about a serious feeling of calm — and it’s delicious too. It’s an Ayurveda-inspired drink mix with Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Dates, Cardamom, and Vanilla that you can mix with coffee, milk, or your choice of non-dairy milk for traditional stress support.* Take your time preparing a cup for a more purposeful moment of mindfulness.