As we’re into the fall season in the northern hemisphere, the weather is changing and we don’t want to become sick with colds and flu, which it is easier to do when we are run down and exhausted. Self-care is vitally important in these months to protect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health so that we remain healthy, especially leading up to the winter. Self-care also can play a role in the joy and celebration that can come in honouring each season and help us to re-connect with ourselves and the earth and universe. And then when we are with our loved ones we can be more fully present for them. Read on for five self-care tips for the fall season.
1. Harvest. Fall is a time of harvesting and we reap what we have sowed. If you didn’t sow anything and have nothing to harvest then go ahead and venture forth to the farmers market or an apple orchard and pick apples! You can take your whole family. The harvest will need to be prepared for use and to store over the winter, so whether you want to freeze it or cook it and then freeze it or can or preserve it, figure out a plan to make like a modern day pioneer and work your plan. You can refer to a book or an online video for “how to” instructions. I recently had a chance to pick some apples at my family members’ place and chopped them up to be stewed for use during winter. Yes, preparing fruits and vegetables for use over winter is hard work but at least it can be done with mindfulness, and will give you a much needed break from staring at your computer screen, phone, and social media! It’s a way of connecting with the earth and the universe and not to mention the older generations of our families who may have long cherished family recipes or methods to pass down to you.
2. Gratitude. During the fall season both Canada and the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, although on different dates. It might be a great time to explore the idea of a starting a Gratitude Journal. It can be a 30 day journal, or more or less, whatever works for you. Brainstorm and let it flow. One suggestion could be that you can try writing about things that you are grateful for that are specific to the fall season. If the idea of an actual journal doesn’t appeal to you, another option is to make it a habit to write a daily gratitude list on your planner pages. It can be your top three things that you are grateful for that day. It may sound like a small thing but even taking a moment to write down three things will shift your mood and make an impact on your mindset.
3. Creativity. Creativity is good for the soul as I know you all know by now! You can enjoy creating crafts using the natural materials available to you outside in the fall, such as fall wreaths, or corn husk dolls, or works of abstract art from the same natural materials, and writing using the natural world around you for inspiration for your poetry or song lyrics. Just google to find instructions for fall arts and craft projects. Another act of creativity is cooking. You can research recipes and cook seasonal dishes. This ties in with the first tip above, harvest. Bake a pumpkin or apple pie.
4. Meditations celebrating fall. Find a seasonal guided meditation in a book or online or you can be creative and write your own. It doesn’t have to be long, it can be as short as a few minutes. This will help you to connect with the earth and the universe.
5. Journaling on intention. Focus on setting an intention(s) and goals for the season. Write down your intention for this fall season and what you plan to do in these last few months of the year. Then write down the first few action steps needed to make your intention a plan and make the plan happen. Or you can instead write down what this season means to you in your life right now. Art journaling is another option, if you prefer to draw an image or images to represent what the season means to you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or laborious, doodles are fine too, just go with the flow that springs forth when you start to draw.
These self-care tips will help you to deepen your connection with the earth and universe by celebrating the fall season and to re-connect with your inner core essence. Your loved ones will thank you as you will be more fully present when you are with them. Fall is a beautiful time of year to be honoured and celebrated and taking care of ourselves is a way of also giving thanks and honouring the earth.