I usually love summer, going to the beach, attending festivals, seeing people everywhere and spending time with family and friends.  This summer was different for me.   There are still some restrictions, so activities were somewhat limited, but we could still do a lot.  Some aspects were lovely; seeing family that I haven’t seen in ages, dancing with neighbours, adopting some fur babies, and getting in a few beach days.  But, I still felt disjointed-a little energetically incoherent and I’m not sure if I’m feeling some apathy after so many lockdowns or if the incredibly uncomfortable humid days sucked my energy and motivation.  Maybe both.   

Whatever the reason, I’m so freaking happy that summer is over and excited about Autumn-my absolute favourite time of year.    

What is there to not love about Autumn? Halloween, blue skies, vibrant colours, pumpkins, harvest moons, warm cider, sweatered evenings and hopefully some fall fairs.

Autumn is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your self-care, as it can be very motivating, similar to a New Year blitz of resolutions! I find myself wanting to write, can tomatoes, make jam, take Spanish and piano lessons. I’ll be happy if I get the canning done, lol.  Most importantly, I am excited and need to return to my self-care routines, which honestly have been somewhat derailed for the last few months.  

We are all hardwired about returning to school, schedules, and practices this time of year, and I don’t know about you, but without the anticipation of what’s to come, I feel anxious, flounder and feel like a sloth.  

I don’t need all my time scheduled as that increases my stress, but I feel great comfort knowing when I will be getting out of bed to meditate, what days and times I’ll be going to the gym and when I’ll be rolling out my yoga mat.  

The cool, crisp weather is significantly energizing and helps motivate us to get stuff done.  Autumn is also a good time for reflection, like January, to take stock of your year and review what’s worked and hasn’t, refining your intentions.

Connecting to nature is the perfect environment for contemplation.  Walking in the woods on a sunny day when the leaves are bursting with red, orange and gold hues brings one into the present moment like nothing else. I feel and taste the cool and refreshing air, and amid such beauty, I find that the veil of distracting chatter lifts, and I can get clear with what’s going on with me and from there, I can plan on what I need.  

Suggestions for an Autumn Reboot

Take stock of your self-care.

Make sure your basic needs are on track-sleep, nutrition, hydration, time for introspection, and movement. Create some good routines for your self-care.  Routines help minimize uncertainty and decrease anxiety and give us a greater sense of control.  They encourage consistency and even simple, daily practices will nourish your body and calm your mind.   You must commit to yourself and ensure these practices will not get put aside because you are too busy.  These day-to-day habits will help you manage regular daily stress and contribute to your long-term health.

You need and deserve consistent self-care.

What can be fresh and new?

Look around your home.  Is it cluttered? Could you do some purging this Autumn?  Maybe paint a nice bright colour on a dull-looking wall?  Do your curtains and rugs/carpets need cleaning? 

How about your wardrobe?  Go through your clothes, donate what you no longer wear, and maybe invest in a few good quality clothing items: new pjs/undergarments, boots and a comfy sweater.  

Maybe a new hairstyle?  Facial, pedicure and manicure?

How about your personal care products-make-up, shampoos-do they need to be cleaned up and purged?  Can you start using products that have a smaller carbon footprint?   

We’ve been renovating our home for the last 2 years and are close to finishing-yay!.  It’s been a long time since I’ve done any purging, and this will be one of my projects from September – December.  I’ll keep it simple by going through a few boxes or small areas every few days.  

Try some new recipes.

Autumn is harvest time for squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots and parsnips.  Make a batch of healthy stews and soups that you can freeze and eat for the next few months.  

Take time for yourself.

I cannot emphasize enough the healing that can happen in nature, especially in Autumn. The dazzling colours are short-lived, so commit to spending time with them every day.  No matter what you are experiencing in your life, you will feel better when you walk through the woods or sit with the trees.  Nothing is more important than you feeling good physically and emotionally.  

Pace yourself and don’t allow the busyness of Autumn to overrun your schedule.   Create space in your life to be still and quiet, and roll out your mat regularly.  In the season of harvest, harvest your self-care and make yourself a daily priority. Enjoy all that Autumn offers and be ready for a beautiful harvest moon that plans on making a shiny appearance on Monday, September 22nd, 2021, at 7:55 PM ET (please check the time and date for your area) 

Be well and see you on the mat!

Anita