Along with these seasonal changes, you may notice personality changes in your life, such as a longer work schedule, increased financial responsibilities, and changes in your physical and emotional health. Because of these continual changes, it is easy to experience burnout, seasonal depression, or even acute general anxiety. This is where some autumn self-care comes in. Self-care can assist to reduce the negative consequences of stress, disease, and sadness. Self-care can help you appreciate the beauty of the fall season. That being said, here are five strategies to revamp your fall self-care routine.

Dress Warmly and Go for a Walk

Just because the weather outside is starting to cool down doesn’t mean your outside time should, if that’s what you’re looking for. According to a study published in the December 2021 Journal of Affective Disorders, being outside in the light may lessen symptoms of depression, increase happiness, improve sleep, and reduce neuroticism. According to the American Psychological Association, the topic of eco-therapy is rising in terms of research, clinician, and patient interest (APA).

Beautify Your Environment

Any season change might be an excellent opportunity to perform some deeper cleaning and prepare your personal space for the months ahead.

“Whether it’s your kitchen, living room, closet, or garage, fall is the time to store your summer belongings and use this as an opportunity to get rid of items you don’t need and declutter your living space,” Li says. “Organizing your nest is a common self-care habit that benefits the majority of people.”According to Hafeez, a cleaner, less congested environment might help ease anxiety and stress. A study published in the journal Sleep in June 2015 discovered that persons with lower hoarding tendencies also reported receiving better, more peaceful sleep.

Update Your Life Bucket List

As the normal vacation period comes to an end, now is an excellent opportunity to create or update your bucket list.”Take the time to daydream about what you’d like to do eventually and make a list that you may refer to from time to time.” “Aiming for a goal or a dream may be grounding because it makes you appreciate where you are now and where you want to go in the future. According to the American Heart Association, having a bucket list can provide brain and body benefits such as increasing creativity, combating stagnation, and keeping what’s essential to you in focus. Start thinking about your autumn cuisine now. Eating more in-season fall ingredients like broccoli, squash, apples, pumpkin, and pears has nutritional, financial, and environmental advantages. One study discovered, for example, that broccoli purchased from supermarkets during peak season was higher in vitamin C content than broccoli purchased at other times of the year.

Accept the Sunlight (or Consider Light Therapy)

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 1 in every 20 Americans suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often described as “major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern” (AAFP). It can be prompted by a change in season and can occur either in the spring as the weather transitions from cooler to warmer, or in the fall when the weather transitions from warmer to cooler. If you discover that your mood is affected by shorter days and cooler weather, temperatures, or time spent outside, consult your doctor. If you have SAD, your doctor can make sure you’re taking the proper treatment procedures, which may include light therapy. According to a study, light therapy entails employing a specified brightness of the light for a specific length of time each day, which has been shown to aid with mood and SAD symptoms, among other mental health disorders.

Bring out your favorite warm sweaters.

Sweater weather has been here, and nothing feels cozier on a chilly day than a silky cocoon-like covering. This can not only feel pleasant to touch as a smooth, calming sensation (hygge 101! ), but it can also improve your mood. According to Penn Medicine, there is significance in wearing apparel that makes us feel good. The notion is that if what you wear makes you happy, it also causes the production of dopamine, a hormone that lights up our brain’s reward system and makes us want more of the same thing.

Begin a Gratitude Journal.

Autumn is a time to celebrate change, and our physical and mental selves detect these changes, prompting us to ponder as Thanksgiving approaches. The fall season is also an excellent time to consider your intentions, objectives, and resolutions for the coming year. Gratitude is vital for leading a happier and healthier life. Learning to appreciate the more insignificant aspects of life will help you think more positively, build an optimistic mindset, and be more present.

Create a Consistent Skincare Routine

I’ve said that numerous times before. How you care for yourself physically influences how you feel and act toward yourself. According to many beauty experts, “skincare is self-care.” As the weather becomes cooler, it’s critical to assess and adapt your existing skincare program. For example, instead of using a lightweight moisturizer, try a thicker one to keep your skin from cracking or getting dry. Before purchasing anything new, ask your dermatologist for advice on how to care for your skin type.