How to Embrace the Crispness of Fall

By Dr. Jennifer Bunzenmeyer ND

I went down to Prince's Island Park for a late morning walk mid-August to be introduced to a crispness in the air.  We all know that crisp fall feeling in the air- which surprised me since it was only mid-August!  I have to say I really enjoyed the walk - it reminded me of what was yet to come!  I went home that day and felt giddy as I started planning my schedule for the fall.

Fall is a time for setting new schedules, learning new things as school starts back up for the kids and being surrounded by beautiful fall backdrops of multi-colored leaves.  It also means digging out the recipes of stews with root vegetables to create dishes that warm our souls.  For me, a typical Sunday fall day is cooking up a big pot of chili while the football game lingers in the background - or at least that’s what has happened in my household the last few years.  I welcome what this fall has to offer next!

For some people, the end of summer can be a difficult time as we say good bye to those warm summer days filled with a never ending supply of sunshine and daylight.  Some find the days getting shorter and the rush of getting schedules organized and the kids back to school – well it can be overwhelming to say the least after a summer full of relaxation and no set schedule.

So how do we change that mindset? How do we adapt to the season we are naturally converting into?

I invite you to ask “What does fall mean to me?”  What are the things you love about fall? What do you look forward to?  Is there something new that you want to implement in your schedule?  How about taking a new class?  Joining a new group or club?  Finding something for just you to indulge in- yoga, knitting, books, learning a new language, trying a new sport, baking- it can be small- but all yours!   Is there a new family tradition you would like to start this year - an annual picnic to fish creek, making new thanksgiving crafts with the kids or taking a trip to the farmer’s market to see the fall harvest.  Make a list of things you love in fall - hang it on the fridge and refer back to it on those days when it feels too overwhelming.

I like to embrace the change of seasons.  Without dark we would not know what light is.  Life has ups and downs- these help shape us into who we are.  How can we find ways to enhance our environment to what we want and need?  Ask yourself “What does Fall mean to me?”