It is September, which means goodbye to summer barbecues and hello to all things pumpkin spice flavored. Companies are getting into the Halloween spirit earlier than ever this year, and you can too. But wait you may be thinking. I just got used to spending more time outdoors in parks, on nature paths, and dining outdoors. The changing seasons present can present limitations on the kinds of activities possible, as the weather gets cooler and cooler. The cooler weather doesn’t mean you have to stay bundled up inside quarantine style. While the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, there are still many ways to practice the art of self-care while keeping yourself and others safe. But what exactly is self-care? Practicing self-care is exactly what it sounds like. It means doing things that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Here are some ideas to get you started.
For the Nature Lover
- Go socially distanced apple or pumpkin picking. If you’re a city-dweller or even if you’re not pack up your car and take a mini road trip, and do some local travel. Nothing says fall like a good old apple orchard. Most apple orchards come with pumpkin patches, so you can maximize your fall spirit. Look for orchards that have overhauled their operations in anticipation of fall crowds. Lookout Farm in South Natick, MA has forgone the usual shuttle trucks carrying guests up to picking grounds instead of charting out walking paths for guests. Others like Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, NY are using a reservation system to limit the number of people on the grounds. Many farms have been converting farm stores and seating areas into open-air hybrids to keep patrons safe. Some are even running special programs and activities for kids with hybrid learning models in mind. Check your local farm’s website for information on what precautions they have established before your visit.
- Go on a nature walk. During fall the trees are painted in vivid yellow, red, and orange hues making it a great time to go out for some fresh air. The walk can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Whatever you prefer. Go for a walk in the woods, in a park, or around your neighborhood. Just breathe in the fresh crisp fall air. Plus: it’s a great casual workout too.
- Go on a hike. Fall is probably the best time to go hiking. Instead of stifling hot or humid weather, you get a sunny day with a nice breezy chill. As mentioned before, a landscape of colorful leaves replaces the lush green and bright flowers of summer. Hiking like walking is a great way to get some exercise. Hikes come in varying levels of difficulty to accommodate everyone from the casual to the expert hiker. For the newly initiated, AllTrails is a great resource to find trails.
For the Homebody
- Brush off your skills in the kitchen. Now is a great time to get creative with fresh organic produce. Maple and pumpkin are the flavors of fall. Challenge yourself and see how you can incorporate these flavors into both savory and sweet dishes. If maple and pumpkin aren’t your thing, fruits and vegetables like apples, beets, squash, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are also in season during fall.
- Decorate your house. Some people like to cover their house with ornamental pumpkins, squash, and cutesy harvest signs. If this isn’t your thing other subtler ways will do the trick. Maybe pick up a few fall-themed candles or incorporate subtle pops of red and orange into your home. A decorative throw people or blanket can help you get into the spirit in a subdued and tasteful way.
- Stock up on horror novels and break out the horror movies. For many, October is spooky season and the perfect time to snuggle up with a creepy tale. If horror isn’t your thing, then cozy up with whatever book, movie, or TV show conjures up those fall feelings. I am a scaredy-cat, so I will be eschewing the classic horror stories for something a little more wholesome like Ghostbusters and Over the Garden Wall.
To conclude, self-care is all about pampering you. Whether you find comfort in navigating the great outdoors or prefer to take shelter indoors, hopefully, these ideas can help inspire you on how to make the most of fall despite COVID-19. Small rituals can go a long way to making these difficult times a little easier.