We’re officially in the middle of the fall season. Autumn is the perfect time to shift into prioritizing physical and emotional health, putting behind unhealthy habits and beginning a cycle of healthy ones. Even though changing seasons can be stressful for some, instead think of the seasonal transition as a period for personal growth!
As I step outside my dorm room, I find myself enjoying treading on crispy brown leaves fallen over the ground as I trek to class. I like to think about how, despite the trees losing their leaves and becoming bare, good change is coming. This process, in a way, mirrors the immense amount of change and transition happening in my life as I acclimate to freshman year.
The colder air and the changing colors of the world around me are a reminder that time is passing, whether I like it or not. I’m only going to be young once, living this day once, experiencing these emotions in this manner once. While I’m still learning how to live fully in the moment, here are some tips that I think everybody, including myself, can implement during this time.
1. Go on a nature walk!
The Berkeley Rose Garden is around a half-hour walk from the center of campus! Take the time over the weekend or after classes to go with some friends or on a solo date to venture there or to the numerous other nature areas here at Berkeley, California. Take a hike or walk through the greenery to enjoy the ephemeral fall wonders. Try to listen to the sounds of leaves rustling in the wind or the squirrels darting about instead of music, in order to take the time to really stay present. Consider having a picnic with some seasonal treats!
2. Wake up and have goals
It’s been harder to wake up and get out of bed recently due to the cold, as I’d much rather stay under my comfortable blanket! However, just by setting one or two goals for the week, I feel motivated enough to jump out of bed and start my day, even for my numerous 8 a.m. classes. The fall is the perfect time to challenge oneself to recenter focus and energy on new goals and feeling more purposeful.
3. Cook new fall-centered recipes
There’s thousands of cute fall festive recipes posted on TikTok and Pinterest daily! Instead of succumbing to doom scrolling, take a couple minutes to find one that seems tasty and try cooking it in the kitchen with friends! An easy shortcut is to buy some plain cupcakes, make orange colored frosting, and make cute jack o’lantern cupcakes!
4. Take time for art
Whenever I need a break, I feel like I always gravitate towards my phone. It’s key to not let innate creativity die out! Take a look outside the window or step outside for a bit. I like to draw what I see or let my imagination run, making random shapes or lines that encapsulate what I see.
5. Start a gratitude journal
Whether it be after waking up in the morning or before falling asleep, making a habit to think and write down what one’s grateful for can ground one in what makes them happy. Reflecting on what I’m thankful for helps me be more appreciative of those around me and make sense of everything that’s happening.
In the midst of midterm season, it’s easy to feel lost and uncertain about what’s coming, especially as the temperature is dropping steadily. Hopefully these tips can somehow help reduce any anxieties that arise, serving as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to take time for self-care. Remember that there’s always time for a self reset!