Fall has officially arrived and that also means busier schedules, colder weather, shorter days, and pumpkin spice delights. You need self-care year-round, but some of your self-care practices may need to change with the seasons. Without self-care, stress builds up until we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, depressed, and physically sick.
Self-care includes anything healthy that you do to meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Here are a few ideas:
1) Have some fall fun. Think pumpkin patches, hayrides, apple picking, baking, warm drinks. Savour the sensation of holding a warm cup in your hands on a fall day.
2) Set boundaries and ask for help. Don’t let yourself overcommit or sign-up for things you can’t or don’t want to do. It’s okay to say “no” to people and events that drain your energy and don’t spark joy. Ask someone to bring a dish to Thanksgiving dinner to lighten your load.
6) Enjoy the last of the warm weather. Make the most of the remaining warm, sunny days by spending some time outside. Go for a walk and admire the fall colors, rake some leaves.
8) Create a new fall exercise routine. Adjust your routine, so you won’t be caught without a plan for indoor exercise when the weather changes.
Self-care doesn’t have to be all or nothing – something is definitely better than nothing! Every little thing you do for yourself matters.
If you need ideas or resources to get you started, consider LifeWorks, the service provider for UVic’s employee and family assistance program. This free, confidential program includes professional counselling, information and referral services.