The change of seasons is often the encouragement we mamas want/need to make healthier choices for ourselves. Why? I have no idea but I’m not complaining! With fall almost here you are probably feeling the need to clean, get things in order, get cozy, etc. I LOVE fall! Anyone else?

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With fall being the precursor to winter, and often way too short before the cold winter months hit (at least here in Michigan), it’s extra important that we make healthy choices. I have found certain things that really impact my fall in a positive way and I thought I would share them with you! This post is specifically with mama’s in mind but one focused on kiddos will be coming soon!

Ready for tips for a healthier fall? Scroll down!

7 Tips for Staying Happy & Healthy During the Fall Season

Get plenty of rest

We hear this all the time but have you really looked into the science behind why sleep really IS important? I like how they talk about it in this article. “The way you feel while you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you’re sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.” (source)

Do you ever notice how a bad night of sleep leaves you feeling drained, irritable, and easily overwhelmed the next day? By allowing your body to get a full nights sleep you will set yourself up for a more productive and positive day.

And mamas, if sleep is hard for you, give some of these a try:

1. Get rid of clutter in the room even if it’s just picking up 10 things before bed

2. Do something for YOU at bedtime. This can be using a diffuser, putting on lotion, or listening to meditation or calming music.

3. Make your bed. There is nothing more annoying than sleeping with your sheets all twisted and uneven. If you don’t make your bed in the morning (I never do… woops!) then remake it right before climbing in. It tends to be comfier and provides a better sleep.

Drink more water

This is another “duh” tip but it is still one that most people don’t follow! It is so easy to live on coffee and “fun” drinks in the fall time but ladies, you NEED to drink more water. Start your day with an 8oz glass. If you don’t enjoy plain water, add lemon to it or even some frozen fruit. You should be drinking 1/2 your body weight in ounces EVERY SINGLE DAY. So if you way 160lbs, you should be drinking 80oz of water daily.

Benefits of drinking water include (but are not limited to) more energy, better organ function, healthy digestive system, and clearer skin. Who wouldn’t want all those things?!

Spend time outside

Fresh air, cool breeze, beautiful colors, and vitamin D. Spending time outside is so great for your physical and mental health all times of the year but I find it highly important as the months grow colder.

Just 15 minutes outside can give you the vitamin D you need for the day, boost your mood, and give you a feeling of being refreshed.

“Get outside. Watch the sunrise. Watch the sunset. How does that make you feel? Does it make you feel big or tiny? Because there’s something good about feeling both.” – Amy Grant

Eat seasonal plant foods

When foods have to travel a long way they lose vital nutrients as they lose water/get old. Fresh local produce will always contain the most dense nutrients which means eating seasonal foods is so important! Where we live, fall foods typically consist of root vegetables, cabbage or kale, and anything in the squash family. And of course, we have apples! We LOVE Michigan apples.

It’s so easy to fall into the ‘quick food’ and ‘boxed meals’ during the busyness of the fall but your body will thank you when you eat fresh seasonal produce! You WILL feel better and more energetic.

READ: 20 Vegan Soup Recipes for the Fall

Find a comfortable routine to stay less stressed and overwhelmed

I am not one who thrives of routine or a schedule. I am terrible at making one and even worse at keeping one. But I DO have things that I do everyday that are “routine” without really feeling like one. This keeps me less stressed and still accomplished without being overwhelmed with a to-do list or spreading myself to thin.

• Morning coffee.

• Hot breakfast with the kids.

• Work of some sort (either at home or in the office depending on the day)

• Some sort of house task (pick up toys, laundry, dishes, etc)

Of course I have to do other things as well but it varies day to day and for me, it works!

There are a lot of new things that happen in the fall (like a new school year) and it’s just moments away from the start of the holidays. Limit the stress you feel now since we know the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a bit crazy!

If you have “routine” tips for working moms, please share them!

Exercise

You don’t need to do an intense work out but I encourage you to do SOMETHING that gets your blood pumping. Take a walk to the park (Look! You’re checking off a few of these tips!), do some yoga or even some yard work. Playing with the kids (actively) also checks this box!

Fun things to do with kids in the fall includes:

• Play soccer

• Go for a bike ride

• Walk to the park

• Play hopscotch

• Climb a tree

Doing anything where you are moving will help your body to feel healthier and your mind feel happier during the fall.

Supplement

I add this last but it is almost the most important. No matter what time of year it is, it is so important that you supplement your diet for the nutrients you may not be consuming enough of. Disclaimer: supplementing does NOT mean your diet is a bad choice. I say this especially for my fellow vegan friends who have not yet started supplmenting.

Truth behind it all is that produce today is more “processed” than food 50 years ago. On top of that, we have access to so many additional foods like packaged meals, fake meats & cheeses, etc. Foods that should naturally contain vitamins like b12, are not as great of sources as they used to be and if you are not eating fortified cereals etc, you’ll want to take a supplement.

EVERYONE, no matter their diet should consider supplementing for the following vitamins; B12, Vitamin D, Omega 3 & 6, and Calcium (especially during the cold months).

If you’re curious how to get started on these supplements, a solid multivitamin is a good place. Here is a good option on Amazon.

For more of our favorite supplements, visit my shop! On my shop I only share products I have used and love.

The fall is a beautiful time of year and is often the calm before the holiday storm. 😉 Take some time to really dive into some personal health and development before the craziness of the holidays hit.

WELCOME TO REALISTIC PLANT-BASED MAMA!

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