With Summer coming to an end, many of us are left feeling bummed. With the kids back in school, the weather getting cooler, and summer vacations coming to an end, it’s important that you take care of you during this seasonal change. Here, we share 5 self-care hacks to help you transition into Fall this year.
1. Get plenty of rest
With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler, many of us are left feeling tired and lethargic. Ensuring that you get a proper night’s rest is very important to keeping your body and mind rested. Sleep deprivation is a big problem in our culture and causes many health issues. Keeping ahead of the problem by having a set bedtime, having a supportive pillow, and reducing as many interruptions as possible can help improve your overall sleep quality.
2. Stay hydrated
Water intake is always very important. It’s also something that most people struggle with. A general rule of thumb is to drink between 0.5-1 oz of water per lb of body weight. Staying hydrated helps all of your body’s systems keep running top notch. It also helps detox your body and clears toxins which can be making you sick. Not sure how much water you should be drinking? Try this nifty water intake calculator: https://www.hydrationforhealth.com/en/hydration-tools/hydration-calculator/
3. Stay active
Life is all about balance. That’s why you should stay active on top of getting enough rest. Activity keeps muscles toned, joints moving, and can even have a positive impact on the way our brains think. One of the best forms of exercise for the body is walking. Going for a walk this time of year is wonderful- try to take in the changing foliage and enjoy the crisp smells of fall. You’re also less likely to overheat this time of year. If waking isn’t your thing, then try something more stretchy like yoga or something more intensive like weight training. Whatever activity you find, stick with it and make it a part of your daily routine.
4. Practice mindfulness
When feeling down about the changing seasons, it’s easy to get caught in a loop. A way to increase daily positivity and satisfaction is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the state of being actively present in the moment and taking in thoughts without judgment (good or bad). Mindfulness allows the mind to look at thoughts without taking in self-criticism or judgement, both which are unhealthy and unproductive. Setting aside a little time each day to reflect on your thoughts can help improve your overall outlook and thought process. You can read more about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your life: https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
5. Get regular massages
Massage is something that pretty much every human can benefit from- it improves physical and mental health in a variety of ways. If you don’t have any underlying health conditions, one massage a month is generally advised. Think of massage as a maintenance tool to help keep your body running in an optimal state. If you do have any health conditions, be sure to bring it up to your massage therapist and a plan of care including massage session frequency will be made. Give your body the self-care it deserves and schedule a massage with one of our great therapists: https://www.soapvault.com/calendars/bookOnlineStepOne/1de0868bf10c38a4842625dd65e823e9
Self-care is so important, especially as the seasons change. These five self-care strategies can help ease the seasonal transition and improve your overall well-being. Ballaura Wellness Spa in Olympia, Washington invite you to feel rejuvenated with us.
