It seems like just yesterday we were saying ‘now that Summer’s here I will be so much healthier, exercise more, eat better, and soak up some vitamin D!’ And all of a sudden, the days seem shorter, the sun is a little weaker, and we’re feeling the urge to curl up in a chair with a book, a blanket, and maybe a PSL.
If you’re in the right frame of mind, the changing seasons are an exciting and powerful time for personal growth. We’ve never been ones to sit around and wait for the New Year to create change or build habits in our lives, so we’re going to share some of our favourite ways that you can continue building your own healthy habits as we move from the lazy, hazy days of summer into the brisk, cozy days of fall. When you have a plan, it’s easier to carry those positive exercise and eating habits with you into the cooler months.
Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction.
Move, move, move!
One of my favourite things about Fall is that the temperatures cool off just enough that you can pack up the family and head out on a nice middle-of-the-day hike without having to worry about the dogs and the kids getting heat stroke. You can still work up a good sweat outside, but it takes a little bit more effort. Here are a few fun fall activities that you can enjoy with family and/or friends:
Play a friendly game of football or soccer
Summit some of the local mountains (Spionkop, Mt. Boucherie, and Knox are some good options close to town)
Go camping and hiking near one of the many little lakes around the Okanagan (rent a cabin and really get cozy!)
Put on your work gloves and rake leaves, clean up pine needles, and tidy up the yard before winter
If you’re looking for a bit more of an exercise routine, we recommend creating a standing exercise-date with a buddy. Having a friend or partner to keep you accountable is a great way to stay physical as well as have a bit of social time, so see if you can persuade someone to keep you company in your exercise program. Whether you choose to go to a gym, for a run, or to a spin or yoga studio, your body and your mind will thank you for taking the time to put yourself first at least a few times a week (we’re looking at all you moms out there!).
If you’re new in town and/or don’t have a significant other, most towns have running, cycling and hiking groups you can join. Expanding your social network helps keep you engaged mentally as well as physically, so it’s a double win. And Fall is still a great time to get outside and practice social distancing while enjoying the crisp days.
For those drizzly Fall days, make sure you have your rain gear ready to go. Soggy fleece isn’t a good fit anytime, but with a lightweight, rainproof hooded jacket and pants, the rain can be inspiring and almost spiritual in its mood, so don’t let it stop you from getting outside! Be sure to add some reflective tape or safety lights since this same light can make you a bit less visible if you’re roadside.
Seek the Sun
The shorter days mean less sun, which, if we’re being honest, can be downright depressing - hence the prevalent ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD). Like our houseplants, we need to seek out the sunshine in order to thrive. Don’t give up on sunning yourself because the days feel cooler; sun exposure will elevate your mood in the same way physical exercise does. This is also a great time to revisit your daily supplements, and if you’re not already, add vitamin D into your routine.
While we definitely recommend indulging in some sun bathing as much as you can this month, make sure that you treat your skin with the reverence it deserves and continue applying an SPF-infused moisturizer, especially to your face. Although the UV rays aren’t as dangerous as in the hotter months, they are still damaging to our skin.
Savour family time
Summer seems to be when families have time or make time to spend with each other. We go camping, fishing, hiking, and generally enjoy each other’s company doing things we all appreciate. The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of family time. There are tons of family-oriented activities you can do in the fall, from visiting the pumpkin patch and corn maze to watching movies or playing games.
Once a week, schedule time to do something as a family. Some of my best memories as a kid are games nights during the holiday season with my fam, and that’s something that we’re definitely trying to carry forward with our kids.
Get cozy in your kitchen
Fall is here and we suddenly find ourselves craving comfort food and all the Pumpkin Spice. Yet another one of my favourite parts about Fall is the warmth that food and beverages can bring to a cooler day, and the nesting that comes with spending more of our hours inside. These can be put to great use by getting creative in the kitchen and opting for healthier comfort foods and homemade dressings and sauces over the traditional sugar-infused store-bought varieties. Grab the instant pot or slow cooker and bring on the soups, stews, and root veggies!
We’ve compiled a list of some delicious-looking fall recipes (with a couple local food bloggers) to get you inspired. Check them out below and let us know how they are!
Another way to enjoy those cooler days spent inside? Boil the kettle and steep some loose leaf tea. There’s an element of heavenly-ness that goes along with a good cup of hot tea. If ordinary black tea isn’t “your cup of tea”, try one of the flavourful herbal teas or fun flavours, maybe a chai or lemon zinger. Then sit…just sit, breathe…and relax.
Our last tip for continuing your healthy eating habits? Water…agua…l’eau – wherever you may be and in whatever language, water is essential. We naturally drink more water in the summer as we lose so much moisture due to sweating, however it’s important to carry this habit forward into fall and winter as well. Hydration is required to keep our digestive system working at optimum levels and helps to process soluble fiber and fat, while also eliminating toxins from our bodies and supporting normal kidney functions. If you’re not a fan of straight water, try infusing it with lemons, limes, strawberries or even cucumbers to make it more appealing. It might even be nourishing to have it at room temperature or drink hot water with lemon and a little cayenne or ginger at this time of year. However you stay hydrated, we’re here for it.
I hope some of these tips inspire you to transport your healthy summer habits and routines forward into Fall, and that you enjoy this season and all the beauty and grace that it brings. Go out, soak in the gorgeous colours on your afternoon walks and hold your face up to the sun as you appreciate the cooler temperatures and still-blue skies of our beautiful Kelowna skyscape.