Design an Autumn Self-Care Plan & Become More Resilient

We all know that there are many benefits of an effective self-care plan. It can make you feel happier, more productive, more engaged and connected, and can reduce the negative effects of stress on your well-being. But did you know that a self-care plan can help you build your resilience muscle? Yes, it can. Studies have shown that when we intentionally take breaks from challenges to refresh ourselves, we come back to those challenges more focused and more energized. The autumn season provides quite a few unique opportunities for self-care.

In Maryland, autumn can feel like a quick season, so I like to soak in all the crisp, cool, colorful, savory treasures of this season. A good self-care plan allows me to take a break from my usual activities, and just be present to enjoy myself, relax, and take time to care for my emotional and physical health. I like to think of self-care as a way to keep my happiness tank full.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to embrace some autumn self-care.

Have some fall fun with a friend
Our furry friends really know how to be present and have fun! They love to live in the moment – they are the ultimate mindfulness teachers!

Enjoy some early and relaxed holiday shopping
I like to keep my eyes open for holiday gift purchases, and perhaps buy a few treasures at a fall festival, while drinking apple cider and eating pumpkin frosted cookies. Then my holiday shopping is less rushed and my gift giving isn’t a stressful event.

Enjoy some football
As I’m writing this, I’m also watching the Ravens/Steelers football game, drinking some pumpkin spiced tea. As a child, my house was always filled with the sounds and sights of football, so fall brings with it the happy memories of football games of the past, and today’s fun with friends and family.

Fuel your body with all of the season’s yumminess
I love to roast vegetables, and the autumn season is perfect for that. Butternut squash is one of my faves! If you have a spiralizer, you could make your own squash and zucchini “zoodles,” which is part of my “get more fit in fall” game plan. Soups, especially butternut squash, stews and chili also make me feel warm inside!  And, of course, there is all the yumminess of Thanksgiving. I like to spend some time in October looking for new and interesting healthy recipes to add into the menu alongside the usual favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin, and pecan pies.

Take a warm bath and include the scents of the season
I love to relax in a nice warm bathtub filled with bubbles, listening to some relaxing music, with a hot cup of pumpkin spiced tea.

Take your exercise outside with an autumn walking meditation
Take a cool walk through the beautiful colored leaves as they blow down the street and just tune into all the beauty around you.

Bring more light into your life
As the days start to get shorter, add some light inside your home. I have a few pumpkins and gourds that are lit from within and I place them throughout the house so as the sun goes down, my home still feels bright and cheery. Nice candles or a fire burning in your fireplace can also bring that cozy warm feeling into your home.

Start a gratitude journal practice
Autumn is a great time to create a daily gratitude practice.  As Thanksgiving approaches, make a list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for and then tell each person you see on Thanksgiving what makes you especially grateful for them.

There are lots of relaxing, fun and refreshing self-care options. Create your own autumn self-care practices and then enjoy the results of your strengthened resilience!  Happy Autumn – take great care of yourself!

Today’s blog was written by WWR Partner Coach, Donna Kettell.  Donna is a certified professional coach (CPC) and a master practitioner in energy leadership (ELI-MP). Her certifications were earned through The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).