9 ways to thoughtfully transition into fall
Sweet summer is turning!
As we near the end of August and prepare to welcome September, you may feel the winds of transition settling into your bones because just as summer turns to autumn, we too,
have seasons that turn within.
HERE ARE 9 ways to Thoughtfully Transition into Fall
1. PUMP THE BREAKS: You've been on the go, hopping from one thing to the next, getting all the summer activities in, socializing with friends, enjoying longer days, playing outside and juicing your energy! Summer is so much fun and by this time, we may feel the readiness to recharge our batteries. Begin breathing more space between commitments, take some extra time to be with yourself, slow down the pace at which you've been moving and pause to refresh and refill your energy tank every now and then!
2. REFLECT AND REMEMBER: Bring your pen to paper to reflect on all the memories of your summer. Paint a picture of what this season brought you, how it made you feel, and jot down what you loved, learned and want to remember. Pour out your gratitudes. Share your celebrations. Release whatever it is you are ready to leave behind in with this passing season. Think of this activity like finishing a chapter before we turn the page to a new one.
3. SET YOUR INTENTIONS: As we close one chapter, and begin the next, it's important to connect to your intentions, the energy you're welcoming in and the tone you wish to set for this new season. This is a great proceeder to follow #2. Whip out your journal or some sticky notes and get clear on what intentions you're inviting in this fall. Plant the seeds now so you've got something to nurture, water and grow over the course of these next few months!
4. REFRESH YOUR SANCTUARY: As the weather, daylight, trees and collective energy all begin to shift, it can feel incredibly refreshing to reset your space. Rearrange your room, get organized, do a deep clean, put the shorts away and welcome in the cozy sweaters. Declutter and purge whatever doesn't serve you- physically, emotionally, energetically, mentally. A clear space is a breathable space, both internally and externally!
5. GET GROUNDED: Summer is the season of flying around and fall is the season of planting your roots! Find ways to ground your body- go for walks in nature, start a morning meditation practice, attend a yin yoga class, cook warm, earthy meals, say yes to more rest. Anchoring in to a new grounded rhythm will surely help you to feel steady and stable from within as we near the cooler, crisper days!
6. SAY YES TO QUALITY > QUANTITY: While this is inevitably a season of creating cocoons, it's still so important that we venture out of our shell and say yes to socializing, staying connected and having fun with friends. The key here is to follow quality over quantity! Instead of jamming in as much as you can, say yes to events, invitations and get togethers that genuinely light you up. As we know, our colder, darker seasons can more easily spark feelings of loneliness, depression, disconnection and disease. When we maintain a social connection with friends we tend to laugh more, have engaging conversations, and feel more supported through seasons of change and/or challenge.
7. CREATE SOME NEW RITUALS: As we cycle through the seasons, our interests, needs, desires and alignments may change and creating rituals is a great way to support and care for yourself in any given season. You may love going for evening bike rides outside in the summer and, when winter comes, you may be more drawn to finishing your day with some hot yoga. Check in with your energy and your set intentions for this season, and from that place, make a list of some new rituals that would feel good and resonant to you now!
8. GET SOME SLEEP: Our circadian rhythm, aka our internal clock, is naturally influenced by the sun (which is a beautiful reminder of our innate connection to nature). As the days become shorter and the nights longer, our body clock intuitively begins to shift, too. For some of us, this applies itself easily and effortlessly. For others, this can be a hard and confusing adjustment! Try lulling yourself to sleep, or into relaxation, a half hour earlier than your current usual. Listen to the body when it's asking you to rest. Or, set up a sleep routine that consistently follows a specific bedtime and wake up time. Sleep is vital to our well-being, especially in the colder months upon us!
9. SOAK UP THE SUN: Vitamin D is essential to our happiness, health and energy. It not only boosts our mood and strengthens our immune system, which is an absolute game changer during flu season, it also aids in keeping our circadian rhythm in check! Fall is NOT winter, friends. We haven't reached the darkest days yet. There is still so much sunshine to soak up! Take advantage of it. Go play in the woods, have a picnic in the park, drink your coffee on the back porch and bathe in the warm, sunny goodness while you can.
