If you’re not ready to transition from summer to fall, you might find yourself mentally stuck in summer while fall is already in full swing. This can create a weird tension whenever summer’s liveliness bumps against fall’s cozy, reflective vibe. Interestingly, here’s how to sync your body and mind with the changing season.
Incorporate seasonal eating
Seasonal eating ensures you enjoy natural farm produce at its peak harvest, freshness, and nutritional richness. As the weather cools and transitions away from summer, the body craves warm comfort foods — like hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and spicy treats — to promote calm and stability. Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York, says consuming leafy greens, root vegetables, and seasonal fruits like apples and pears can be mentally refreshing after a stressful summer.
Stick to a regular bedtime
As the days progress into shorter days and longer nights, the body produces melatonin early, nudging you to sleep sooner. This can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, making establishing a consistent bedtime routine challenging. Gary Small, MD, the chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center and physician-in-chief of behavioral health at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, recommends avoiding caffeine and sleep medicines and instead using meditation or breathing relaxation to drift off to sleep. And if you still have difficulties getting enough rest, “consider cognitive behavioral therapy,” he adds.
Engage in restorative forms of exercise
“Therapeutic forms of exercise, such as yoga, tai chi, and pilates, can help reduce stress and improve flexibility and muscle tone,” says Dr. Kopelman. Dr. Small agrees. “Just a simple 30-minute daily brisk walk will lower your risk of developing dementia and boost your endorphin levels, lifting your spirit along the way,” he says. These exercises enhance blood circulation while promoting mindfulness and relaxation, which are beneficial for mental and skin health.
Recalibrate your skin with organic skincare products
Fall is an excellent time to reassess your skincare routine. As temperatures drop and the air dries, your skin may need more hydration and protection than during summer. And organic skin products free from harsh chemicals can help reduce irritation and inflammation. Dr. Kopelman says healthy oils like jojoba or argan oil can help maintain skin moisture as the weather gets cooler. “Medi facials, which combine medical-grade products and techniques, can rejuvenate the skin, enhance its texture, and address specific concerns like fine lines or hyperpigmentation,” she explains.
Nurture social connections while exploring the outdoors
The onset of seasonal affective disorder is typical in the fall. To combat this, Dr. Small recommends exposing yourself to enough light during the day by exploring nature with a walking buddy. Social isolation, he says, “increases the risk of dementia and depression, and with the added stress of a more rigorous fall schedule, it’s more important than ever to stay connected with friends.” “Although engaging with friends and family through phone calls, virtual meetings, or regular get-togethers can enhance your mood and reduce stress levels, nurturing your social ties over activities like hiking, biking, or even a walk in the park can further strengthen your bond and significantly improve your mental health,” Dr. Kopelman adds.
