Turning A New Leaf

Creating and engaging in healthy habits can help us clear our minds and help promote a positive headspace. Your future self with thank you for starting healthy habits now and you’ll be weeks ahead of your New Year's resolution!

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As the year winds down and the holidays approach, take some time to focus on yourself. During this time of year we spend a lot of our time focusing on giving to others, but it is important to remember to spend time on ourselves for self care and self improvement. Take a look at the list below and start thinking about ways you can incorporate some activities into your routine. Hopefully, you'll enjoy some of these activities so much that you will start incorporating them into your routines until they become habits.

1. Get outside: It's true that it's getting colder, but be sure to grab your coat and hat and start moving! Getting outside to move your body and get some fresh air is a great and easy way to incorporate some self-care into your daily routine. While you’re out, take a minute to smell the crisp air and notice all the fall foliage and changing leaves. Getting into the habit of walking daily will help to improve both your physical and mental health with just a few minutes each day. My favorite times to walk are during lunch breaks and after dinner!

2. Fall produce: Take advantage of the fall produce that is seasonally growing at this time of year and appreciate the freshness in your cooking and healthy snacking. Try your hand at some new fall-inspired recipes with the abundance of squash, apples, root vegetables, and all the other autumn goodies. Getting into the habit of trying new recipes will help you stay creative and have something yummy to look forward to. Some fall product I am loving right now is butternut squash, check out my favorite tasty recipe here! 
   
   

3. Movie night: Have a quiet night in and reminisce by watching some old festively-fall movies from back in the day. A quiet night at home will help you rest and rejuvenate. Try starting a weekly or monthly movie night to keep your family and friends close (figuratively of course, 6ft people!). Movie night gives me something to look forward to after a busy work week because it’s often a bit of nostalgia and always a bunch of laughs or happy tears depending on genre. My recommendation for a movie night is to watch some movies that will bring back some good childhood memories.
   
   Here are some of my favorite fall movie recommendations:
   Hocus Pocus
   Beetlejuice
   Harry Potter (all of them!)
   Matilda
   Capser
   The Little Vampire
   Scooby doo
   The Witches
   Halloween Town
   And my all time favorite, The Goonies
   
   Or, if you're one of those people that are already in the holiday spirit, here are some of my favorite cold weather classics:
   
   How The Grinch Stole Christmas
   The Santa Clause
   Home Alone
   The Polar Express
   Narnia
   Ice Age
   
   While you’re watching, don't forget to grab a snack to munch on! Some of my favorite movie snacks include air popped popcorn, crunchy grapes, and a little something sweet, like chocolate! I also always have a cup of warm tea to help me get extra cozy on the couch.
   
   

4.  Reading time: As the weather is cooling off and can sometimes not be ideal for outdoor activities, pick up a book and get to reading! Reading is a great way to pass the time and keep your mind stimulated. Getting in the habit of reading for a few minutes each day is so good for your mind to focus on something enjoyable. My favorite times to read on the train or right before bed.
   
   

5. Fall flowers: Don't wait for somebody to buy you flowers, get them for yourself! For a while now I have been in the habit of buying flowers each week to have in my kitchen. I love having a bouquet of flowers because it brightens up my space by having some fresh cut flowers to see at all times. For just a few dollars you can buy yourself some beautiful fall flowers to brighten up your space. My favorite fall flowers are ones that remind me of fall foliage such as fall colored daisies, sun flowers and greenery. Check out this blog for some gorgeous fall flower arrangement inspo! Tip: Lots of local farm stands and farmers markets sell inexpensive bouquets, buying your flowers locally promotes local farms and businesses as well as reducing your carbon footprint!

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If you have any additional suggestions for healthy habits, please let us know nothingjusteverything.com under our Collaboration tab. You can also let us know what you think by messaging us on Instagram @nothingjusteverything.