Today on my morning walk I couldn’t resist the urge to have a full smile on my face and a quick step.
After months of extremely oppressive weather, this morning I walked the neighborhood in 60-degree temperatures with low humidity (but high airborne allergens). Yes, I may have been sneezing a little, but I couldn’t deny Austin was finally turning the corner from summer to fall.
This is not to say we won’t have at least an additional month of above 90 – 100-degree temps to deal with. But feeling the cooler breeze this morning turned my thoughts to preparing for the cooler season ahead.
It might be a bit before we see autumn wreaths on front doors, pumpkins at farmer’s markets, and begin swapping out salads for soups and stews. But it’s not premature to prepare ourselves for the changes that are sure to come.
In CRAZY random order, we’ve compiled a bunch of items! Things you may want to think about as we say goodbye to the playful rhythm of the summer season to make room for the fresh start of Autumn.
Some of these ideas may not be immediately obvious but can be beneficial. Let's get started!
Review Year-End Goals – Did you set personal goals at the beginning of the year? With just a short four months left in 2024, it’s time to assess progress and adjust as necessary. Remember there’s still time to meet your desired outcome!
Schedule Health Check-Ups – Book appointments for annual physicals, dental check-ups, eye exams, etc. to stay on top of your health.
Get Vaccinated – it’s time for COVID vaccines, flu shots, etc.. We want to stay healthy during the colder months.
Organize Seasonal Wardrobe – it’s time again folks to sort through the summer clothes. Send bundles to your favorite charity shop or church, have a garage sale, list items on online selling platforms, or simply pack away items that are no longer needed and bring out our cozier heavier clothes.
Update Home Safety – Beyond home smoke alarms (do you need to check and replace batteries?) also check rugs and adequate lighting to prevent trips and falls.
Prepare for Seasonal Activities – It’s fun to think about indoor activities or hobbies for the fall. Crafting, cooking, and reading all keep us engaged during colder months. But, of course, there’s still plenty of time for beautiful late summer/fall hikes.
Update Your Look – It might be fun as we make the seasonal transition to experiment with a different hair color that reflects the fall season, such as warmer tones or shorter styles. Or maybe it’s the season to go without the color and finally embrace our gray strands!
Stay Social – Plan small parties; invite friends and family over. If having a little party seems overwhelming, stay connected with regular phone calls, video chats, or unexpected (but appreciated) cards and letters.
Set New Learning Goals – Fall/winter is the perfect time to learn something new. How about a technology class? Through a tech workshop or social media class you may be introduced to a new way to stay connected with family and friends.
Plan for Holiday Events – This sounds a bit premature, but we actually all know it isn’t! It’s time to at least think about the holidays. Are you going to travel? Host a party (or two?) Send greeting cards, buy gifts? Give it all some thought.
Create a Cozy Home Environment – Beth wants to purchase a new sofa and perhaps a couple of new chairs. I'd love to just declutter my tiny apartment. You may want to transition your home décor to reflect the fall season. Think of warm colors and cozy textiles.
Focus on Nutrition – As always incorporate seasonal fruits and veggies into your diet, continue to drink lots of water, and focus on hearty, nutritious meals. Or if you have the outdoor space, planting a fall garden sounds like fun!
Engage in Physical Activity – As the weather changes, consider indoor exercise options like yoga, dancing, or walking in an enclosed space. Prepare for the changing weather. That way you’ll hold on to your healthy, active lifestyle.
Reflect and Journal – Fall is the perfect time to reflect on the past season and document your thoughts, experiences, and feelings in a personal journal. Or you might want to do morning pages as described in The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
Plan for Financial Health - Review finances and budget for any upcoming expenses related to the fall and winter seasons, including heating costs and holiday spending.
Make a Seasonal Playlist – A new season deserves new music. As you create seasonal memories your playlist becomes a background to your seasonal experiences.
And there you have it. We hope this list helps you create a wonderful, deliberate fall season.
We believe if we sync our lives to the natural rhythm of the seasons, we will be happier, more content people. Do you agree?
And so, we welcome Autumn as much as we welcome your comments! Keep in touch and enjoy the cooler breezes.
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