The Fall Reset: 7 Ways to Take Better Care This Season

Fall is here!

Maybe you’re ready for sweaters, soup and cooler walks. Maybe your fall calendar is already packed. Maybe you’re still wondering how summer went by so fast.

Wherever you are, this change of season is a good time for a quick check-in.

How are you doing?

And is there anything you could do to make taking care of yourself a little easier?

Notice I said easier. Not a complete fall makeover of your routines, your house and your life.

We’re starting with 10 minutes.

There’s good reason for that. Small acts of self-care really do matter. Movement, sleep, connection, time to decompress and simple routines all support our physical and emotional well-being.

And small things are much more likely to happen on a busy day.

So here are seven ways to take a little better care of yourself this fall. Pick the one you need most.

1. Make tomorrow easier

Think about the part of your day that regularly makes you think, Why is this always such a production?

Maybe mornings are rushed. You hit 5:00 and have no idea what’s for dinner. You’re always looking for your keys. Your bag isn't packed. You remember tomorrow's appointment approximately seven minutes before you need to leave.

Pick one trouble spot.

Now give yourself 10 minutes to make it easier.

Set out your clothes. Prep breakfast. Fill your water bottle. Check tomorrow’s calendar. Put everything you need to take with you by the door.

Ask yourself:

What can I do today that will make tomorrow a little easier?

That counts as taking care of yourself.

2. Move for 10

Ten minutes. That’s it.

Take a walk. Stretch. Put on a few songs and move around the house. Take the dog for an extra loop. Walk the sidelines while you’re waiting at practice. Head outside at lunch and enjoy the cooler air.

Regular movement supports everything from sleep and mood to heart and brain health. And it doesn't have to happen all at once to count.

Need a little company? We've got a fun way to move more at home and we'll be launching it soon on Take Care Tips TV. Click to subscribe so you're in the loop!

3. Find 10 minutes of calm

When was the last time you had 10 quiet minutes without also scrolling, answering, planning or doing something for somebody else?

Try it today.

Make a cup of tea. Sit outside. Pray. Breathe. Listen to music. Look at the leaves. Read a few pages. Close your eyes.

Your version of calm doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

Pay attention to what actually helps you settle.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I'm finishing my new book, The 10-Minute Calm Reset. It’s filled with practical ways to find some calm when real life is still happening all around you.

I’ll be sharing more about it very soon.

4. Give your sleep a little help

Here’s one you can try tonight.

Go to bed 10 minutes earlier.

Use those extra minutes to start winding things down. Put away the phone. Lower the lights. Get tomorrow’s things ready. Read. Stretch. Wash your face without rushing through it.

Sleep plays an important role in both physical and emotional health, and our evening habits can help our bodies get ready for it.

5. Look at your fall calendar before it fills itself

Fall gets busy fast.

There are school activities, work events, appointments, volunteer commitments, family responsibilities, and yes, the holidays are getting closer.

Take 10 minutes and actually look at the next few weeks.

What matters?

What needs your attention?

What sounded like a good idea when you said yes to it three weeks ago?

And where do you fit on that calendar?

Taking care of yourself deserves some space there, too.

6. Reach out to somebody

Think of one person you’ve been meaning to call, text or see.

That’s your next Take 10.

Send the text. Make the call. Set the coffee date. Ask someone to walk with you.

Connection is part of wellness, and it can be especially important when you’re carrying a lot for other people.

If you’re a caregiver, you probably don't need anyone to tell you that your days can get full quickly. Current caregiving research continues to show just how much family caregivers are carrying emotionally, physically and practically.

You need people in your corner, too.

7. Ask yourself what you need now

This one may be the most important.

What worked for you this summer may not be what you need this fall.

So give yourself 10 minutes and check in.

How am I doing, really?

What feels good right now?

What feels harder than it needs to?

What do I need more of?

What could I make easier?

Don't turn your answers into another giant to-do list.

Choose one thing, and get started taking those small steps to lead to big, positive results.

Your Fall Take 10

And that's your fall reset with seven new habits that will help you move into this new season stronger, happier, and healthier.

Choose one of these ideas, give it 10 minutes, and see what happens!

Maybe tomorrow you choose a different one. Maybe you stick with the same one all week because it’s helping.

A walk counts. Ten quiet minutes count. Going to bed a little earlier counts. Calling a friend counts. Making tomorrow morning easier counts.

All of those small moments really add up.

Happy fall! Take care.