As the sun begins to set earlier and the temperature drops to sweater weather, many people find themselves in a slump of sorts. This shift can be difficult and doubling down to meet the goals you’ve set for yourself can feel like a never-ending struggle. Here are three ways to effectively release your hold on summer and embrace fall. 

1. When mother nature begins urging us to slow down and stay inside, we put on Halloween costumes, party dresses, and venture out into the potentially nasty weather of the season to buy holiday gifts. Enjoy the slow pace of winter and focus on self-care. Stockpile that series of books you meant to read poolside on vacation, but never had a chance to. Learn how to knit, crochet, or pick up a pack of colored pencils or watercolor paints and tap into the creative side of your mind on the days where you don’t think you can make it through another day where the sun sets before 5:00 pm. 
   
   
2. Warm-up your core by indulging in a steam room, sauna, or warm bath. Something that may be hard to justify in the warm summer months, but suddenly sounds delightful when the temperature drops in winter. Add lotion or oil afterward to keep your skin supple during the harsh winter. 
   
   
3. Take advantage of the slower pace of winter by bundling up and going on a daily walk, even if it’s cloudy. The fresh air is good for your health and the walk will build up natural levels of vitamin D without the far less desirable tube of sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Follow up this fresh air with a cup of caffeine-free ginger tea, which is energizing and good for digestion or as the holiday season approaches, try the Pumpkin Shake or Pumpkin Spice Mix recipes below.