The Fall Season is Great for Your Mental and Physical Health!

Did you know the fall season can boost your mental and physical health? While fall is one of my favorite seasons, it’s important to embrace all seasons to live in the present and focus on the things we are grateful for at the moment.

While the official start to autumn doesn’t begin until September 23rd, here are some of the best reasons why autumn is a season that can boost your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.

1. Fall activities are opportunities for fitness and socialization.

There are many fall-specific activities to enjoy from late August to early November, such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, raking fall leaves, etc. All these activities get you outdoors and burn calories. They tend to be things you do with others, too, so you can squeeze in quality time with family and friends. I love to take long road rides and train with my cycling group!

2. Seasonal fruits and vegetables add color to your meals.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are in great supply during the fall season, so you have plenty of new dishes to make. Visit your local farmer’s market to stock up on the freshest picks from the season, such as apples, sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkins. Be creative with this produce, such as roasting pumpkin seeds or making homemade applesauce.

3. Cooler temps and drop in humidity make outdoor time more comfortable.

If you don’t enjoy the heat and humidity, the fall season is a nice break. You can spend more time outdoors without being uncomfortable or worrying about the dangers of heat stroke. Plus, all times of the day are comfortable. Enjoy a walk in the morning and a relaxing evening by the bonfire.

4. You'll start following a routine again.

People in recovery need to follow a routine. However, if you have kids or work with kids, your schedule probably changes in the summer. Usually, schedules get more relaxed, which can lead to boredom and cravings. Now that fall is here, it’s time to get back into the habit of following a routine.

5. The fall foliage connects you to nature.

If you live in California, or any other state with a mild winter, you won’t be treated to the same fall foliage as other areas. But, there are exceptions. If you head to the mountains where it gets colder, you can see brilliant fall colors. What a wonderful way to connect to nature, practice gratitude, and grow in spirituality!

If you time it right, you can also see some fall colors in the desert. Look for buckwheat, desert trumpets, and tamarisk trees. As they go through their cycles, they change color and add a beautiful fall look to the desert valley floor. For more information on how to see fall color in California, visit KCET.org.

If you need to add more structure to your fall routine, to start or stay on track with your recovery journey, contact me. Awakenings Treatment Center is an outpatient drug rehab in Agoura Hills, California. We offer flexible, client-centered treatment for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders.