Fall feels: Goodbye summer, hello autumn!

When you’re busy balancing work, family and a social life, it’s easy to let the seasons slip away. But, taking time to stop and smell the beauty of nature around you is important for both your mental and physical health. Compiled from The Huffington Post, here is a list of eight simple things one can do to really revel in the fall season — even if it’s just for a moment.

1. Take a walk in the park

Chances are, wherever you walk, you’ll have an opportunity to admire fall’s beauty — from the fiery colors of the foliage to the rusty orange leaves on the ground. If simply walking through the park doesn’t do the trick for you, channel your artistic side — grab your camera and snap some photos of the changing leaves or misty autumn mornings.

2. Fill your home with fall scents

There needs to be something wafting through your home that exudes the fragrance of the season. The easiest and cheapest way to give your house that fall smell is to fill a pot with water, throw in some cinnamon sticks, cloves, apple halves and orange peels and let it all simmer on the stove. Sweet smells will be filling your place up in no time.

3. Indulge in your autumn-inspired desire to hibernate

As the days get shorter, you might find yourself wanting to curl up with a good book. We say, bring on the hibernation! Set aside some time each week (or day) and get into bed with a favorite book or movie and a cup of tea. Leave your window open and embrace autumn vibes.

4. Fall-ify your wardrobe

This doesn’t necessarily mean you should go out and buy up every burnt orange item you can find. Simply take a moment to assess your wardrobe and put away the things you won’t need until spring of course and keep colours such as yellow, rust and burnt orange on the front shelf. You could also go shopping for the latest fall trends.

5. Take advantage of the clocks turning back

When the time change rolls around, everyone complains about losing an hour of daylight but you could also think of it as gaining an hour in the morning! Whether you use the hour to head to that early morning yoga class or to simply enjoy the morning on your patio over a relaxing cup of tea — the choice is yours.

6. Enjoy seasonal fruit and vegetables

Already missing the juicy watermelon slices? Switch gears to the fresh root vegetables that are in peak season during fall. Try whipping up a meal with friends using nutrient-rich autumn produce such as apples, beets, fennel, sweet potatoes or pumpkin.

7. Prioritise friends and family time

When the weather is nice and it’s not scorching hot like in the summer, make the most of outdoor activities with loved ones. With comfortable weather, one tends to naturally gravitate towards spending more time with our friends and family. Making as much time as possible for your dear ones will benefit not only your mood but your health as well.

8. Plant some cold weather greens to enjoy all season long

People often think that spring and summer are the only times you can plant produce, but some veggies actually flourish in autumn season as well. Swiss chard, bok choi and the mightiest of greens kale — actually grow well when you plant them later in the season. Plant some of these veggies in a pot, stick it on your porch, and reap what you sow (literally) come winter.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2016.

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