Summer has come to a close, and the weather has begun to shift as we make our way into fall. For many of us, this time of transition can take a toll on our bodies and minds. As we shift to this new season, we have an opportunity to turn inward and focus on our health and well-being by practicing acts of self-care. Here are some healthy adjustments you can make for a calmer, healthier fall that will help you flow into the season like a pro.

Make Mindfulness a Priority

Settling into fall and shaking off summer's energy doesn't always feel like a smooth transition. The shorter days and cooler weather can leave us feeling scattered, uncomfortable, or even depressed. These simple strategies can help bring your mind to a place of ease:

Write Your Worries Away
A great way to drain your brain of negative thoughts is by journaling. The moment we get things things out of our minds and onto paper, we begin to feel better. It helps stressful thoughts seem much smaller and more manageable. Also, the act of writing things down is the first step toward an action plan. The summer-to-fall transition is an ideal time to shed the old and welcome in the new. Jotting down your intentions is a great way to start bringing them to life.

Find Serenity with a Sacred Space
Another way to adopt new, healthy habits is by creating an altar. An altar is like a living vision board: a physical space that speaks to where you currently are in life, and where you want to go. You can update your altar with visual reminders of all you have brought to fruition since last fall. This will help motivate you to think about the future and inspire intentions for a healthier, happier you. Its contents can be simple, but they'll help drown out worry and stress, and guide you back to the things that are most important to you.

To get you started, here are some great altar accessories to choose from.

Improve Your Immunity with Changes to Your Diet

In order to live a healthy, happy life throughout all phases of the year, it's crucial to be aware of the internal and external imbalances we all inevitably experience. Tweaking your diet accordingly is one of the best ways to do this. 

Our bodies crave nourishment and balance—especially this time of year. Creating balance calls for conjoining opposites. In order to offset the cold, rough, and dry qualities of fall, seek out warm, hydrating, and oil-based foods. Hot soups, stews, and warm drinks are grounding and nourishing for us during the colder seasons. Ingredients to include in these meals include: sweet potatoes, parsnips, mushrooms, carrots, nuts, seeds, ginger, and turmeric. 

Replacing cooler foods, such as salads and fruit-filled smoothies with foods that are warming and full of hearty nutrients can make you feel calmer, healthier, and happier.

Ease Ailments with Essential Oils

Fall increases the likelihood of impaired immune systems and physical afflictions, such as the flu and seasonal allergies. Natural aromatherapeutic products can help combat these types of ailments. 

There are a number of essential oils that have strong antibacterial capabilities. These include: peppermint, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, and oregano. Diffuse them in your home to keep germs at bay so you can keep your immune system in great shape during the cooler seasons.

Do you have any other seasonal self-care tips? Share them with us in the comments below!