A Shout Out To Fall!

This past weekend I noticed that there was a hint of fall in the air. The weather was a bit cooler and the air felt a bit crisper, the kids are back to school in full force, and the excruciating heat of summer seems to be behind us. Sweaters, pumpkin lattes and falling leaves will soon be the norm.

Many people I know absolutely love the fall. There seems to be a simultaneous vibrance and coziness about it that puts them in high spirits.  I for one love the idea of comforting fall foods and beautiful changing leaves. Others are excited about football season, or their new fall wardrobe.

I thought with all the hype Chicago summers get, the fall deserves a shout out as well. Fall offers a great opportunity to eat new, seasonal foods and enjoy fun activities with family and friends (while staying cool).

So here is a list of my favorite things about fall that promote wellness!

• Be a kid again! Yes, you may spend a lot of time racking leaves, but those giant piles of leaves are just waiting to be jumped in. So, let loose and have some fun.  Take a giant leap into that pile. I promise, you’ll have a big smile on your face when you rake those leaves up again.
  
  
• Pick your own fresh foods! Many apple orchards and pumpkin patches are a short drive away. Picking out your own pumpkin and filling your basket of big juicy apples are great ways to spend a day. Added bonus, you can make an assortment of your favorite fall foods with these hand picked ingredients.
  
  
• Participate in a walk/run! The Chicago Marathon is only a few weeks away, and although you may not be keen to run a marathon, there are several shorter run/walks taking place throughout the fall. If you’re interested in a local run/walk, look into Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright Races (http://oakparkparks.com/flwraces.htm). 
  
  
• Learn something new! Why wait till the New Year to make a change? Take advantage of the ‘Back to School’ vibe and take a class, or pick up a new hobby. Challenging yourself by learning new things is a great way to better yourself and keep your brain young. Who says you have to be in high school to take a Spanish class? Always wanted to learn how to make pottery? Sign up for a class. Or, wish you knew more about outer space? Pick up a book at your local bookstore and learn something new.

What’s your favorite thing about fall? I would love to hear your comments!!