Self-care can make a big difference in your emotional and mental well-being by protecting your own health and happiness, especially in times of stress. These fall self-care tips are perfect for making the most of this beautiful season here in Hancock County. There are so many great ways to enjoy autumn, so why not incorporate a little self-care into your plans?
Take a walk in nature
One of the main things people associate with autumn are the changing leaves. Get out in nature and take in the scenery of gorgeous orange and red colors with a walk in one of Hancock County’s many parks. Whether you prefer a suburban park experience or more of a nature hike, the parks in Greenfield offer something for everyone. Plus, getting your heartrate up with a brisk walk can improve your physical wellness and give you a nice little endorphin boost too!
Go to a fall family activity
Pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets and festivals, oh my! If you like to attend fall activities with family (or on your own) then you’ve got plenty of options here in Hancock County. There are a number of fun fall events and activities open this season for arts lovers, fall foodies and corn maze experts alike. If you are a big fan of fall weather, and getting out in the community “fills your cup,” celebrating with a calendar full of activities can be a great form of fall self-care.
Enjoy a warm fall drink
Speaking of filling your cup, do you love pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider or another fall favorite drink? Make or order a delicious drink to warm you up on a crisp fall morning, and then take a few minutes to really savor it. Don’t just gulp it down… take slow sips and enjoy the experience. Maybe you could even meditate or write in a gratitude journal during this quiet time of reflection. Slowing down for a moment in the morning can be the perfect way to start your day with self-care.
Declutter your home
We all know about spring cleaning, but what about fall decluttering? With the start of the school year and the end of summer, your home may feel extra messy or overwhelming right now. Excess clutter can also impact your mental health, making it more difficult to relax or creating feelings of guilt when guests stop by. Taking some time this fall to clean and declutter your home can provide more opportunities for self-care once your home feels more relaxing… and for some people, the act of cleaning itself may even be a form of self-care and enjoyment!
Set expectations for the holidays
Fall is often considered the start to the hectic holiday season. This can be the perfect time to set expectations and prepare yourself for any entertaining, cooking or gift buying that is just around the corner. A great form of self-care is setting boundaries, which may include saying “no” to holiday invitations that drain your family of energy rather than giving you more joy. You can also include self-care in your holiday plans by asking for help, whether that’s help with cooking a big family meal, organizing a get-together or other planning. Practicing asking for help and not overcommitting during the holidays can be difficult, but it will make the season that much more enjoyable.
If you need help putting more self-care practices into place, improving your mental well-being this season or connections to local resources for your overall wellness, contact the Support Navigators at Healthy365 online or at 317-468-4231.