7 Self-Care Tips for Fall Here on the Suncoast

We all have a lot going on here on the Suncoast this fall. For some of us, there will be the aftermath of Hurricane Ian to deal with before we can even think about the holiday season soon to be upon us. For kids, there are end-of-semester tests, sports functions, and a host of other activities that will keep you on the road and moving constantly. Or possibly you are a retiree but will need to travel to a variety of places to see grandkids, friends, and family for the holiday. Whatever the situation, the fall season can be full of a lot of activity and to-do items that can be stressful. We have compiled a list of self-care items to help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next fall task.

Remember the Water

Start each morning with water and take a reusable/refillable bottle for all your activities. Water rejuvenates our bodies and kick-starts our digestion. This one self-care tip taken seriously every day is one small thing that can help hydrate our skin during drying months, support our overall feelings of well-being, and is easy enough to work into each aspect of our life every day.

Learn to Say No

Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you’ll feel more self-confident and have more time for your self-care.

Meditate

One practice that can help you change your mindset is meditation. Meditation helps you clear your mind and focus on the present. It has many proven benefits, including reducing stress, regulating mood, and even making you more productive. There are many different types of meditation: mindfulness meditation focuses on being present, relaxation meditation physically relaxes your body, and loving-kindness (or mantra) meditation focuses on self-love and the love of others. You can find plenty of examples of these online, so learn about several types to see what fits you. Like self-care, effective meditation is different for everyone.

Go Off Grid

Spending too much time on social media can be extremely taxing on our minds. Constant use of social media can result in repetitive comparisons, reduced sleep quality, and increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety. It might be a good idea to go offline and enjoy living in the moment whenever you feel overwhelmed. 

Spontaneous Staycation

Block time to take a mini-staycation to refresh this fall. Whether you simply grab some comfort food, binge-watch your favorite shows and take a weekend to yourself or rent an Airbnb close by – this is a great way to refresh. Taking mini breaks to feel like you are resting from the pace of life can be the jump start needed to take on your tasks with renewed energy.

Schedule a Massage

Massages have been proven to reduce stress, increase relaxation and even reduce muscle pain and soreness. The benefits of a great massage can help reduce anxiety, digestive disorders, headaches, and even pain in certain parts of the body. Taking the time for yourself to get a massage can give an extra push of energy toward all your fall tasks.

All the Jingles

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take some time to kick back and relax with soothing music you love. Music can relieve stress and improve your mood. If you want to go all out, you can also read a good book or drink a hot beverage to calm your body and mind.

It is the hope that this cooler time of year, as we all move into the holiday season, we can balance the demands of life with proper self-care. Taking the time to look after our emotional and physical health keeps us all in tip-top shape to best engage with others, enjoy time with friends and family, and generally live our best life possible. Hopefully, some of these self-care tips can help you make the absolute most of this fall season here on the Suncoast.

Happy Fall, Suncoast!

Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos