We live in an area where we enjoy four complete season changes and do our best to embrace and celebrate each one.
However, fall might be our favorite.
Are we alone in this thinking? Apparently not!
According to several nationwide polls, 27-37% of the population agrees.
Over 56 % reported feeling happier in the fall than in any other season.
Why Fall?
Well, the reports appear to parallel our experiences. The cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and seasonal events all trigger outdoor adventures and time for cozy reflection.
Our top 2 ways to celebrate fall!
1. Adventures
Outdoor fall activities are good for your mental and physical health.
Cooler temperatures, road trips to see beautiful colors, active wildlife, more festivals, fall sports, seasonal treats, harvested fruits, cheaper lodging, and fewer crowds in many parks and resorts point to the perfect time of year for outdoor adventures!
What’s there to do?
Hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch festivals, ghost tours, orchard activities, fall junk festivals, and craft & art fairs are popping up all around. We’re even seeing banners announcing upcoming “Turkey Trot” runs!
Like more of the solo activities? Think about the fall hikes, trail bike rides, and nature walks or take to the water with a calming ride in your kayak or boat to see the colors from the water. Ever tried forest bathing?
The benefits of being in nature include stress relief, strengthening immunity, sharpening your focus, and calming your mind. Head out alone or with friends, family, and your fur buddies but don’t forget your journal and your camera!
2. Reflection
Fall is a comforting and cozy time of year.
Campfires, snuggling into warmer layers, holding warm beverages, and relaxing with seasonal scents of cooking spices trigger reflection.
Reminiscing about summer experiences and discussing pre-winter plans seem to be the topics that we enjoy. Having a harvest journal handy will help you record the highlights.
Any journal will do but a junk journal is an easy way to start. In short, a junk journal is made up of anything you want to tuck in, attach, or write. You can use a variety of papers, tuck in a brochure or ticket from an event, add a photo, or attach fall leaves.
For something different, we went online and found this downloadable Harvest Journal on Etsy with an 1800s fall theme. The inexpensive predesigned pages, tags, and word scraps make this very inviting for those who want the fall look limited crafting. Just print, assemble, and start journaling!
To help you get started, try one of these writing prompts.
•Do you have any fall traditions? Did these start in your youth or are they new? How have they changed from when you were a child?
•If you could travel anywhere to enjoy the beauty of the season, where would you go?
•If you had a wish for every leaf that falls from just one tree, what would your top 5 wishes be?
Can’t get outside?
If your time in nature is limited, here are a few ideas to make the most of what time you have!
•Bring your nature experience indoors! Open your windows, and add a few leaves, gourds, or pumpkins to your decor. Pick up a few pine cones to add to a table display.
•Take your work break on the step, patio, or even by a window viewing nature. Make sure to bring your journal and a fun beverage or treat to add to the experience.
•Images are powerful! Look through your past photos, a magazine, or a website that floods your brain with outdoor and seasonal photos! Make sure to update your desktop image to support your fall focus.
•Bring the seasonal aromas inside to stir your creative thinking and raise your spirits. Diffuse essential oil blends that remind you of the outdoor scents or seasonal baking!
~ Try combining cedarwood, frankincense, and orange for a happy harvest scent
~ How about a mix of clove, cinnamon bark, and bergamot? Yum!
We hope you’re finding ways to enjoy celebrating the fall season. Remember all the important health benefits of being in nature. We’re including a couple of our articles that highlight those benefits and present other journaling and seasonal planning ideas.
0 Comments