Five Ways To Take Five This Fall

Fall may mean new beginnings…but it also means busy season is in high gear! Schedule some time to take give this fall just for you.

Thanks to prAna for making us all comfortable in our skin with this sponsored post.

What’s not to love about the fall. In Texas it’s the short time span between mid-September to mid-October that the temperature is a lot like The Three Bears…Not too cold, not too hot, it’s just right. For me it reminds me of high school football, Frito Pies, baked apple pies baking in the oven, pumpkin everything, and of course, my birthday (I mean it’s in my name?) 

Unfortunately as a parent it also means that school starts, PTA, practices, quickly following with decorations, holidays and much more. While in theory the fall should be this brief moment to just enjoy Mother Nature’s gift, it’s actually more like the calm before the storm. Heck, I’m already tired just thinking about it. 

I wish there was one fall that I could just be a spectator and take it all in…especially before it’s over in a blink of an eye. But let’s be honest, if you want that somewhat perfect idea of the holidays to happen, you have to make it happen. Or even better, maybe we all need to change the idea of what we think the perfect holiday looks like (Pinterest is not a good example.) 

“Smell your rose, blow out your candle…”

So this year I’m making a point before I get caught up in the mess of the last months to just take a few moments JUST FOR ME to appreciate the little things that make me happy. Five minutes may not seem like much, but overall it will keep your nerves at bay before you blow on Christmas Day. 

Curl up with a good book. 

Okay…when’s the last time you read a book (truth – I can’t even remember but I do love my Audible.) However, I love reading magazines – from start to finish – it’s like a therapeutic getaway. But whatever it looks like, don’t keep building up the pile. Find something you’ve been meaning to learn, love and get lost in and do it. Even if it’s just 5 minutes a day. 

Drink the coffee (even the PSL.) 

Coffee, tea, whatever…I’ve become the worst about making a cup and then getting so busy that when I get back to the cup, it’s cold. There’s nothing more disappointing. So don’t just get the cup of joe and run, savor it, smell it, taste it, experience it. It’s not really the coffee we’re going for here – it’s just taking in what’s in front of you without the distractions. Besides one pumpkin spice latte won’t hurt you. 

Take a walk. 

The beautiful burgundy and mustard colored leaves crackling under your feet, the aroma of earth, spice and crisp area on your shoulders…even a five minute walk will make a difference to your disposition (plus it’ll help burn the calories from your #PSL.) 

Pull out the “comfty clothes.”  

Everybody should have a few pieces in their closet or drawer that make them feel like you’re wrapped up in a blanket. No matter how crappy your day has been, it makes you feel good to wear them. And most of all, that you can move in them and not feel tired or restricted. My new favorite loves are these pieces from prAna – my soft merino wool sweater and deco crop leggings. Just putting them all makes my day better and that I can do anything. AND I can feel good getting all my stuff done and still feel look I’m not wearing sweats. 

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Just breathe.

I’ve found myself doing a lot of this lately. When things really hit the fan, I just have to take a few breaths to start over, reassess, and get on with it. Looking at research stress doesn’t know boundaries, it comes no matter if it’s work, home, kids, whatever. And when you’re stressed, your cortisol gets into gear and you can actually gain weight. So with all that in mind if you feel the anxiety kick in, kick back with a few deep inhales. My daughter told me her teacher says “Smell your rose, blow out your candle” and you’ll feel better. It works. Try it. And it takes less than five minutes to get back in the game. 

How do you keep it together when it seems like everything is on overload?