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Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Where I live fall comes and goes quickly. This season can also be a time of high stress for some people. Kids are back in school; holidays are right around the corner and time for yourself is hard to come by.

As the weather gets cooler, most people want to stay indoors and hibernate. Often around this time, we start thinking about our “to-do” list for the next few months. Fall is the perfect season to focus on self-care and take some time for yourself.

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Here are some tips, tricks and products to ensure you take care of yourself this fall. By including self-care every day, you will feel healthier, happier, restored, and more energized.

Day Trips and “Fall” Activities

Fall is a great time to get out of the house and into the fresh air. Day trips and activities like pumpkin picking are ideal ways to get going. Get away to that National Monument that you’ve been meaning to take the kids to or that stay-cation that was a little too expensive over summertime. Click here to find out what each State has to discover.

Baking

Not everyone is a natural baker (myself included). However, baking can invoke feelings of joy and happiness and remind us of simpler times or family traditions. If you are new to baking, start small. Pinterest has tons of baking recipes online. To get in the spirit of baking, try watching a few baking shows on YouTube, Netflix or Food Network. If you are fortunate enough to have a grandmother or elder that bakes in your family, think about inviting them over to give you a baking lesson. Baking can help you take your mind off of stressful things, by shifting your focus to creating something delicious.

Start a New Book or TV Series

This time of year makes me want to buy a soft blanket and snuggle up on the couch and relax. Taking time for yourself does not always have to be productive. If you are constantly reading and watching things that pertain to being more productive or learning, maybe try reading or watching something outside of your comfort zone. You can always revert back to the trusted shows and books if need be.

Find Your Signature Warm Drink

Fall is the perfect time to discover new and yummy drink options. We are all familiar with the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but there are endless varieties of drinks to explore. Have you found your go to hot chocolate or maybe you prefer a warm tea? Now is your chance to savor something warm and find your new favorite drink.

Just Say No

Fall ushers in the beginning of the holiday season which often means the most stressful time of the year. We have to deal with numerous obligations, parties, family, financial concerns and traditions. You must realize that you cannot do everything, and you need to protect your mental health by setting healthy boundaries. They easiest boundary to set is not saying yes to everything and everyone. Saying “no” to people and events that drain your energy and don’t fill you with joy will allow you to enjoy the season.

Simplify…

Making things simple before the holidays hit can be a real life saver. Fall is the best time to break out that Crock Pot for easy dinners and start shopping online for gifts. By preparing ahead of time and starting earlier, you can significantly reduce your stress. The more you can simplify things in your life the easier things will be. Work smarter, not harder. Don’t beat yourself up for taking the easier path. Start by creating a to-do list. Next prioritize those tasks. Then try to come up with the easiest ways to accomplish those tasks.

Pamper Your Skin

For me, taking care of my skin is always a must for my self-care. Autumn is ideal for taking long hot baths, trying a new moisturizer and creating a skin care routine that you can stick to. Additionally, eating right is the best way to get glowing skin. Seasonal foods like acorn and butternut squash can be combined into sweet and savory dishes that are full of potassium. Vitamin C-loaded cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, and broccoli are a must to add to any meal.

Supplement Your Body

I will speak to my own experience here. As fall progresses, I tend to feel a sadness and lack of motivation. To help combat the blues, I increase my Vitamin D3 (the sunshine vitamin), which helps to ward off depression. I have also recently incorporated a stress buffering supplement called Vitality Adrenal Support, Cortisol Manager, Fatigue Fighter – Stress Relief, Healthy Cortisol, Focused Energy, that within it includes Magnesium, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola. As always, I continue to take 5-HTP to calm anxiety and help with insomnia. I’m a big fan of the Puritan’s Pride brand of supplements, which can be found on Amazon.

My Top 5 Fall Self-Care Products

Diffuser and Essential Oils – I recently purchased this diffuser and absolutely love it. My go-to fall essential oils include Frankincense, On Gaurd by doTERRA and a blend of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint to help with seasonal allergies.

Weighted Blanket and/or Heated Blanket – Get your cool or warm fix. Try a cool temperature weighted blanket or a Microplush heated blanket.

Tempur Pedic Mattress and/or Pillow – My favorite pillow can be found here. You can even buy a mattress from Amazon.

Baby Feet Foot Peel – I typically like to do a foot peel at the beginning of summer and the end of summer. Fall is a perfect time to give your feet a little extra TLC.

Aveeno Moisturizer – This lotion will work its magic for 24 hours. I use it on both my face and body. Get yours here.

What are your must have items and self-care tips for fall? Please leave a comment below.