Happy Fall. I am going from one favorite season to another. Fall is one of my favorites because it allows me to really enjoy nature to its fullest. From pumpkin picking to hayrides, I get my family outdoors in the best way. Some of my favorite memories in life surround the Fall. For instance, I was planning my whole wedding over a picture of when my husband and I became official at Penn State in college. So, on today’s blogpost I want to talk about Fall things but also encourage you to do a check in during this new season.
Fall Mental Health Check-In
Like with all days a new season could be a trigger for you mentally. I was talking to another friend of mine who we began talking about seasonal depression. Winter is usually characterized for mental health seasonal depression. However, some like me start in the Fall. This is why I stretch out outdoor fun as much as I do. Being outside even for a moment does wonders for your mental health. I take full advantage of that. Starting this weekend despite the rain, our family will be getting out and enjoying some of the Fall Favorites. From menu changes, drinks, and more be prepared to see more family-oriented content coming your way.
Here are a few ways that I prepare my mind and mindset for the Fall:
- Do a fall meds check in especially for mental health
- Increase physical activity especially outdoors or add indoor swimming
- Make appointment with family doctor
- Book one selfcare appointment such as a facial etc to treat myself and increase me time
- Schedule two staycation from now until end of year
Fall Favorites to do
There is a lot to do this Fall. If you like some of the traditional things like pumpkin, apple, and sunflower picking, hayrides, fall fest both just in plants or drink related festivals, outdoor concerts, new menu changes at your favorite restaurants, fall leisure sports, tailgating, and get togethers surrounded by foodthis is your time. Comfort food is on full display. So, get into soups, hearty meals, and deep -rooted sweet fall desserts. I also switch my all-around tree to a Fall tree. I decorate my front porch with mums, pumpkins, hay, and get ready for Halloween.
If you like wineries this is one of the most beautiful times to visit your favorite. Many of them will be having fall related activities. Two of my favorites are Chadds Ford and Penn Woods Winery. Both have activities all Fall from Chadds Ford Adult Trick or Treat to Penn Woods’ Derby at the Vineyard. Wine cocktails mixed with pumpkin, apple, and more become more apparent.
Family Oriented Activities
If you have a family or honestly have some amazing kids in your community that you want to explore, get them outdoors. I hate the word bored in my house. Now that the kids are back to school it’s a little easier to plan at least one activity per weekend if not more. We have our calendars already set until November. In November I try to pull it back to prepare for the major holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also have two kids who have asthma and all three kids who have allergies. This is not their favorite time of year with sickness. So, if we go to on hayrides, I have learned a little trick or two.
Our kids wear masks on the hayrides, and I bring a blanket for them to sit on so that they are a little less exposed to the hay and dander. When we go through corn mazes, they wear masks to. Now this may seem a little extreme but during covid as the times were getting a little easier to navigate out the masks and blankets allowed each kid to enjoy with not one issue. Also, parents do NOT send your kids to school sick. You are causing more kids to be sick. I understand how balancing work and parenting is hard. I have had jobs be on the line from having to take off. Do the right thing. Encourage hand always washing and keep tissues and hand sanitizer on you.
Get a Fall Hobby
As the weather gets a little cooler, plan for some indoor actiontoo. Each kid has a new hobby or sport that they are in. By next week I will be selecting one for myself. This is something that you can do that takes you away from your electronics. This is in addition to your Fall reading lists. This could be crotchet, baking, joining a new running club and more. Hobbies help you to learn more about you and the world around you. This is a fantastic way to meet new friends. I have been meeting so many adults that struggle with meeting new friends. They often live in a city or move to a new city alone or with one loved one. The struggle can be real. I encourage you to one check yourself on the friendship meter. Drake said no new friends however people crave connection.
Increase Quality Friends in your World
Do not play yourself and convince yourself that you do not need someone in your world. I have friends that live in different states then I do. I am not replacing but enhancing my circle. They are good friends, but I need people I can love and hug on that live in my community. One of the things that we must acknowledge is if the struggle is from not knowing how to be a friend.
Adjusting your demeaner so that you can attract good and joyful people. You can’t be a sour face and think the world go joy is going to beat your door down.
This Fall can be as fun, comfortable, relaxed, or joyful as you want it to be. Take some time to find you. Prepare for this new season by taking care of your mental health. Be honest about what you need. I have been taking stock and getting clear on who and what I need. Asking for help has been helping me parent, live, and do better. Here’s to boot and 2-piece coordinate outfit season. Is it my age or is it just me? I love two-piece coordinate outfits. Outfits that the good fashion folks have already done the work for me. Don’t forget to check your make up. Switch out eye liners and mascara and more now. Don’t forget to invest in some comfortable fun socks.
