Self-Care for Fall: Healthy Rituals

The transition we undergo during the fall season undoubtedly makes it a special time of year. The days are shorter, the sunlight slowly fades, and the nature around us begins to slow down. Along with these changes, many people feel a drop in energy and mood. It’s the perfect time to focus on taking care of yourself, both your physical and mental condition. Autumn self-care is more than just taking care of your body – it’s also about taking care of your mind and emotions. With today’s post, I would like to encourage you to introduce healthy rituals that will help transform the cold, gloomy autumn into a really pleasant time 🙂

 

Healthy Diet – Seasonal Products

Fall is full of delicious and nutritious seasonal products that not only taste great, but also strengthen the immune system and provide energy. Pumpkin, beetroot, apples, pears and nuts are just some of the riches that appear on the stalls at this time of year. Have you read my last post about the 3 products that are essential in my cooking during the fall season? You can find it HERE.

Pumpkin is a real vitamin bomb – rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A and C, which support the immune system. Apples and pears are a great source of fiber, aid digestion and make you feel full for longer. Beetroot, thanks to its iron content, improves circulation and adds energy, and nuts provide healthy fats, which have a beneficial effect on brain function.

Also remember to stay hydrated, even if the colder days don’t encourage you to drink large amounts of water. Warm herbal infusions, ginger tea or hot water with lemon can be a great solution to maintain an optimal level of hydration while warming up from the inside.

 

Physical Activity – Outdoors & at Home

Chilly days don’t necessarily mean giving up your physical activity. Quite the opposite! Fall is the perfect time to enjoy beautiful landscapes and fresh, crisp air. Walking in the park, cycling or running among colorful leaves are excellent forms of exercise that not only improve your fitness but also reduce stress. Contact with nature is called a natural antidepressant for a reason and it’s definitely worth taking advantage of it.

 

If the weather becomes an obstacle to outdoor activities, move your workouts to your home. Those of you who regularly exercise with my Diet & Training by Ann app (more about it HERE) know very well that you have over 130 training programs at your disposal and many other different forms of physical activity (including yoga, pilates, cardio, and tabata). In the fall, I also encourage you to learn bachata, which you can do solo or as a couple (DTBA Extra tab). Dancing releases endorphins, which will certainly come in handy when it’s rainy and gray outside.

 

Relaxation Rituals and Time for Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help you find peace in your daily life. Regular meditation may help calm your mind, reduce stress, and better cope with challenges. Try the guided meditations at Diet & Training By Ann (HERE) and see for yourself how just a few minutes of daily meditation can calm your mind and improve your well-being.

Create a cozy space in your home that is conducive to relaxation. Soft blankets, lit candles, a cup of hot tea – all this creates an atmosphere ideal for calming down after a day full of duties. A subtle, enveloping scent wafting through the house, or listening to soothing music, can improve mood and help with regeneration. These are small things that should not be overlooked, because they contribute to the daily experience of pleasure.

Moreover, I recommend incorporating a hair and skincare routine. After summer swimming and frequent sunbathing, your skin and hair are certainly thirsty for moisture. This is a good time for nourishing masks, creams and balms (check out the Phlov offer HERE). This me time is a great form of relaxation and evening calm before bed. If you have a problem with consistency, make sure to set a reminder on your phone or pencil it in – let the time you devote to yourself become as important as your daily duties.

What else would you add to the list of healthy rituals worth implementing in the fall and winter? I do hope that despite your many duties, you will manage to find the time for yourself and use it in such a way that your bodies and minds can regenerate 🙂