Hi there! I’m Christina, a mom of three littles, a licensed mental health therapist, and a children’s book author! Thanks for checking out my site. Look around! I’m sure there’s something here for you! Yours truly was interviewed by Rent. (a subsidiary of Redfin) for a recent article on “How to Transition into Fall at Home”, which can be found in full below or by following this link.
How to Have a Soft Breakup with Summer: 9 Effortless Habits for a Cool Transition into Fall at Home
As the days grow shorter and the crispness of autumn begins to weave its way into the air, the transition from summer to fall offers a perfect opportunity to embrace change and refresh our routines. The shift in seasons brings not just a change in weather, but also a chance to adjust our wardrobes, our home decor, and our lifestyles to align with the cozy comforts of fall. From practicing self-care to incorporating seasonal produce into your meals, transitioning into fall at home can enhance your well-being and invigorate your spirit.
Whether you’re buying a home in Portland, OR, renting in Coeur d’Alene, ID, or checking out an apartment in Boston, MA, we’ll explore practical tips and creative ideas to help you make the most of this seasonal shift.
- Help the kids transition
Helping kids transition into fall at home involves introducing them to the joys of the new season in fun and engaging ways. Emphasizing the excitement of seasonal changes, such as the upcoming holidays and cooler weather adventures, can make the shift feel more enjoyable and less abrupt for them to work through the new weather and season.
“Transitioning from summer to fall can come with challenges, especially as children shift from endless hours of unstructured play and creativity to more rigid, scheduled days of school and sports. As a therapist and mom of three, I am right alongside you as we ride the somewhat choppy waves of the change of seasons,” states Christina Furnival, mental health therapist and author of the award-winning social-emotional book series, Capable Kiddos.
She continues by sharing her advice for assisting loved ones with this potentially difficult period. “Maintaining rituals and traditions, such as a weekly game night, Taco Tuesdays, or devoted one-on-one time, can provide a sense of stability and normalcy amidst the chaos,” says Furnival.
The mental health therapist also recommends reading stories set in autumn, planning fun activities like apple picking, or working together to create a recipe for the world’s best hot cocoa. - Be consistent with workouts
Maintaining a workout routine in colder weather is crucial for maintaining optimal health
throughout the year. Exercising in the cold not only helps keep your energy levels up but also
strengthens your immune system and boosts your mood.
One creative idea to assist with staying on track with your workouts is to convert a garage or bonus room into a home gym. Creating a gym at home offers convenient access to exercise, making it easier to maintain a consistent workout routine. It eliminates barriers like traveling in the cold and crowded spaces, allowing for a more personalized fitness experience.
“To ease the transition into the cold months, we keep our morning OrangeTheory workouts consistent to stay energized and motivated. It always lifts our mood to spend time outside, so we do our best to gear up and embrace the elements to continue hiking whenever we can and enjoy the fall foliage and golden larches.” shares The Egresis’ Katie Egresi, a Pacific Northwest photographer and blogger. - Embrace the cold
To aid in your transition into fall at home, it’s important to welcome outdoor activities even as the weather turns brisk and cold. The crisp, cool air makes a morning hike or brisk jog more refreshing, while the golden and red foliage creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor explorations. Layer up in cozy sweaters and scarves to fully enjoy the season’s charm and let the chill in the air energize your senses.
Aaryn Boldt from She Walks on Dirt shares her input on how she continues hiking even once the snow starts falling, “The best way I’ve learned to cope with the colder months is to find hikes and destinations that are meant for snow, fall leaves, and moody foggy mornings. Not much can compare to the beauty of a cold morning, bundled in my favorite warm gear with the view of a snow-covered mountain and a hot chocolate in hand.”
For wilderness thrill-seekers, finding activities that match the excitement of summer can be a challenge. Adam Wise, CEO of GeerGarage, an outdoor gear-sharing marketplace in Seattle, WA, recommends switching out summer sports for those better suited for winter. “Make it a seamless transition with your outdoor activities from paddle boarding and backpacking to snowshoeing and skiing. Snowshoeing allows for effortless exploration of snow-covered landscapes, while skiing offers the exhilaration of gliding down snowy slopes.”
Embracing the cold of fall and winter offers a unique chance to experience the outdoors with a refreshing twist. The crisp air and vibrant autumn landscapes make outdoor activities especially invigorating, proving that colder weather can enhance your enjoyment of nature. - Bring the outdoors in
Creating a cozy area in your living space can help with transitioning into fall at home. Whether it’s transforming your backyard into a welcoming indoor-outdoor living area or incorporating fall foliage indoors, making your home inviting is beneficial.
“Bringing nature into your workspace or home can be a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the transition of the seasons. Easy ways to do this include displaying flowers, decorating with pumpkins or fall leaves, or even just changing your background on your digital devices to a nature scene,” suggests Aimee Frazier, MA, Professional Counselor Associate at Portland Hiking Therapy. “While you may be tempted to hide away indoors, making an intentional effort to support your sense of well-being through connection with nature is well worth it.”
Bringing the outdoors inside during cold weather can create a cozy and refreshing atmosphere while you enjoy the comfort of your home. This approach not only brightens up your indoor space but also keeps you connected to the changing seasons even when it’s chilly outside.
- Look after yourself
Taking care of yourself during the cold fall and winter months is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing self-care during these months not only enhances your overall health but also fosters resilience and a positive outlook, making it easier to enjoy and navigate the chilly seasons.
Add in self-care practices
As the days shorten and the cold sets in, it’s natural to experience changes in your mood and energy levels. Adding in intentional self-care practices can help you stay in tune with your body and mind.
“In addition to seeking therapy options, finding time to carve out space for self-care practices like meditation, maintaining a routine, and connecting with your community can help you embrace the colder months while staying grounded during the transition,” advises Elizabeth Thompson, community and social media manager at Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.
Prioritize personal time
“The fall and winter months are a great time to make yourself a priority and focus on your mental health,” states Deidre Johnson, founder of Moms Blog Too. “While it can sometimes be very busy with work and kids, try to take that walk around the neighborhood and soak up those rays of sunshine and the fall foliage. Or challenge yourself to finally go to the gym and try that class you never thought you could do.”
The darker, colder days can be draining, but taking time for yourself is sure to aid in recharging your energy, reduce stress, and help with that transition into fall at home. This break not only allows you to focus on your own needs and interests but also ensures you’re better equipped to support and engage with your children more effectively. - Engage in rest
As fall approaches, embracing rest becomes especially inviting. The shift in seasons brings a natural slow-down, offering a perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. Prioritizing restful activities helps adapt to the changing season.
Patricia Burgin, MA, Master Certified Coach at Coachable, recommends creating a restful spirit by starting the habit of taking a full week to do one thing at a time. Examples of this might include watching a movie without multitasking or enjoying a meal without distractions from you phone.
- Adjust your skincare routine
As cold weather gets closer, it’s essential to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate the changing weather. The cooler, drier air can deplete your skin’s natural moisture and increase sensitivity.
“Now that summer has begun to close up shop, fortify your skin for the chilly days ahead by pivoting your skincare routine toward more deeply hydrating masks and moisturizers,” proposes Savannah, esthetician mentor at The Portland Girl Team. “Treat your sun-crisped skin to
antioxidant-rich ingredients (oh hello, vitamin C) to help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.”
She adds, “And don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. Yes—even during the winter.” - Take care of your mental health
With fall just around the corner, taking care of your mental health becomes even more important due to the potential for seasonal shifts in mood and energy levels. The shorter days and colder weather can contribute to feelings of isolation or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), making it crucial to prioritize mental wellness to help with the transition into fall at home.
“To help mitigate seasonal affective disorder, increase your exposure to natural light and consider light therapy or vitamin D supplements,” Rexford Nickerson, leadership and life coach shares.
Nickerson also suggests introducing warmer lighting and seasonal decor, such as fall candles or throws, to create a cozier, more uplifting atmosphere, which can help combat mood dips. - Let go like the leaves
Just as leaves gently fall from trees in autumn, letting go of past burdens and old habits can make room for new growth and fresh perspectives. Embracing this season of release allows you to shed what no longer serves you and move forward with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
Danica Kustok M.C.L.C., holistic wellness coach and founder of Sandstone Healing states, “As we transition from the warmth of our long summer days, begin by simply noticing what’s happening both in and around you. As the leaves change and fall, use this time to let go of what’s no longer needed in your life.”
By reflecting and letting go, you align with the natural cycle of transformation and renewal. This process of releasing the past helps you grow personally, making it easier to welcome new experiences and start fresh with a lighter, more open heart.
Embracing a seamless transition into fall at home
As the vibrant days of summer gently give way to the crisp weather of fall, embracing the transition can be both exciting and refreshing. By adopting these tips, you can make the change feel seamless and enjoyable. With a little preparation and a positive mindset, you can fully enjoy the rich, colorful tapestry that fall has to offer, ensuring a soft breakup from one season and embracing the next.
