Falling Into Wellness 🍂🧣

Fall is my favorite season because it symbolizes nature’s metamorphosis. You begin to notice the leaves changing color and falling from the tree branches, just as we adjust our routine to accommodate the weather.

It’s a reminder that there is beauty in the changes we go through in our lives. Letting go of the old and embracing the new is what allows you to make space for new experiences and opportunities to enter your life.

In honor of falling into fall, I’ll be sharing a few ways I’ll be embracing it while staying mindful of my health and happiness.

1. Moving My Body in Nature 🍂

One of my favorite things about fall is the stunning foliage. Taking a walk outside in the cool breeze allows me to take in autumn’s beautiful color palette while getting in some much-needed movement. In addition, layering up keeps you warm in this chilly weather and helps you break a sweat!

2. Supporting Local Vendors 🍎

Fall is harvest season, and what better place to find fresh produce than your local farmer’s market or vendors? Some of my favorite seasonal produce I have been enjoying are apples, peaches, and tomatoes. A few of my latest fixation meals have been roasted cinnamon apples with Greek yogurt, peach oatmeal, homemade fruit jams, and tomato salad with salt and vinegar. Overall, I believe it’s important to know where your food is coming from while supporting local vendors and small businesses in the process.

3. Taking Road Trips 🚗

The East Coast (best coast, in my opinion) has so many beautiful towns to explore. A quick road trip can allow you to get out of your comfort zone and explore a new place you’ve never been to! Who knows, you may even want to return and create your own seasonal tradition with family and friends. This summer, my family and I visited the beautiful town of Saratoga Springs in Upstate New York for the first time, and we can’t wait to go back!

4. Cozying Up with Soup 🥣

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for soup. I could honestly eat it year-round, but something about fall makes it extra special. My all-time favorite will always be my mom’s homemade sancocho, a hearty Dominican stew that feels like an abuelita’s embrace. I honestly wish I could pass you a bowl of sancocho to try through the screen! But I also love preparing a classic chicken noodle with veggies, a creamy tomato basil, or a zuppa toscana. Look out for some my favorite recipes, perfect for fall, coming soon!

5. Refreshing My Closet 🧥

As I navigate my health journey, I have learned that progress isn’t linear. My weight will at times fluctuate, so I try to refresh my closet to reflect where I am in my journey, along with the season. For me, this means reusing clothing pieces I have in storage, thrifting sustainably, or even donating clothing that no longer reflects my style or fits me anymore. Thrifting has been a fun and affordable way to add new, unique pieces while staying within my budget. Plus, it pushes me to get creative as I experiment with new styles and colors. I recommend using this fall season as an opportunity to clean out your closet and donate what no longer serves you. Trust me, your closet and your confidence will thank you!

6. Exploring New Hobbies 🎨

This season, I’ve been enjoying junk journaling, exploring new neighborhoods, visiting museums, and spending time at the library. The fall is the perfect time to cozy up to your favorite hobbies and try out new things! I have found that hobbies can help you process your emotions by caring for your mind and spirit.

7. Sipping on Seasonal Drinks ☕

Fall wouldn’t be the same without cozy drinks. A hot cinnamon chai latte, lemon ginger tea, or even an iced matcha with oatmilk/almond milk/or Fairlife whole milk (for added protein) are all on rotation for me. Nothing beats a sip of your favorite seasonal drink!

8. Getting Social 🤝

As someone who values community, I think it’s important to make space to connect with others, whether through hobbies, volunteering, or exploring new community groups with a shared purpose. Socializing with others can teach you new things, skills, or worldviews, which challenge you to reflect and solidify who you are. Plus, you can even make a new friend in the process! Just remember to surround yourself with positive people who see you and encourage you to be your best self, while also opening up your heart and mind to learning. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about yourself through others, and vice-versa!