Enjoying Fall

Now that summer is over, regular routines have resumed, vacations are over, school has resumed and some people already have the winter holidays in mind.  Despite all of these pressures, don’t let fall pass you by without enjoying the season.  

frances slocum state park

Take the time for a walk in the park, whether a town, city park, or a nearby state or national park.  If you work near a town park, consider taking your lunch break there to enjoy the cool weather and the colorful leaves.

 south abington community park

Sip a fall flavored coffee or hot chocolate as you enjoy your time out in nature. Chain and local coffee shops alike introduce seasonal flavors, including, but not limited to pumpkin spice. Treat yourself to an apple cider doughnut or a fall frosted cookie as well. After all, seasonal snacks are not just for kids.

    Maybe take some pictures of the fall foliage or just sit and enjoy the leaves. Remember collecting the leaves and making artwork as a kid? Take the time to gather any leaves that stand out to you. Even if you won’t glue them to construction paper, you can always use wax paper and press them between the pages of your favorite fall book. Jot down the place and the date you found the leaf and next fall when you open your book you will recall last fall’s memories.

If you love Halloween, maybe bring a spooky book along to read to prepare for the upcoming holiday.  Consider Agatha Christie’s Halloween Party or Stephen King’s The Shining or ‘Salem’s Lot. Don’t be afraid to read or re-read the Harry Potter series as an adult either. Fall and Halloween are featured prominently throughout the series, and the books, particularly the early ones are enjoyably easy reads.  

If your lunch break isn’t long enough to soak in the autumnal scenery take one of your days off and visit the park for a few hours, or depending on the size of the park, maybe the entire day. Take the time to read the plaques on the monuments and benches; it’s amazing how much local history can be learned that way.

The Back Mountain Trail

Take your nature walks a step farther and visit a local state or national park. There you will be even more removed from your busy schedule and have some quiet time with nature. Pack a lunch and a thermos of coffee and spend the day. Though the forested parks are gorgeous in the fall, they are also less crowed than in the summer, meaning you may feel as though you have the place to yourself.

Spending time in nature can have a powerful renewing effect both physically and mentally. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, taking time to admire nature and get in touch with yourself can help renew your emotions and improve your attitude.

If you are religious, consider taking some of your faith’s writings and read them while outside. If you are not religious, take some of your favorite uplifting poems or even some encouraging songs along.

Unfortunately, fall often brings rain. While this make for excellent sleeping and reading indoors weather, it can make enjoying nature outside a bit trying.  If you are not able to get outside, try finding some soothing images or videos of the season to tide you over till you can get outside. Ambient-Mixer.com lets you listen to the sounds of the season from your phone or computer. 

The You Tube channel Matt’s Rad Show has some peaceful and fun fall themed videos.  In fact, there’s a playlist of eleven fall themed and Halloween adventures.

Of course, getting outside is the best way to experience autumn, but any way you can appreciate the season and renew your spirit is beneficial.