The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year, with Spring running a close second. I guess growing up in the south with our extreme summers and damp, dreary winters makes me extra appreciative of the moderate temperatures that Fall brings us. While the season tends to end far too soon, I love so many things about it: the crispness in the air, the changing leaves, the harvest decorations and holidays, college football- you name it about Fall, I'm a fan.

I've had people tell me that Fall makes them sad because they have a sense of something ending and the impending winter on the horizon. But I see Fall as a time of change and preparation for the quiet season that allows for the rebirth of Spring. It's like a seasonal spiritiual awakening and I think it's amazing. 

What does make me sad about Fall is how many people don't take the time to get outside and enjoy it. If I had a dollar for everytime someone said to me "I just don't have time" or "I'm too busy", I would be a really rich woman. Here's the thing- we do have time. We all have the same amount of it. 24 hours a day, to be exact. What we do differently is allocate it. Everything that I insert into my day is a choice, aside from breathing, which is required for survival (so is a decent amount of sleep, drinking water and some caloric consumption). I also hear people saying frequently "I have to _______". Actually, no you don't. You choose to. You choose to go to work, you choose to work 15 hours a day, you choose to not go outside, you choose not to exercise. All these choices are how we are prioritizing what uses up the 24 hours we've been alloted. I think of a former co-worker of mine who had four school age children and worked full time at a job that was a 45 miniute 1 way commute, who still exercised daily. How? Well, she made it a priority. She managed her time such that she could. 

So, what's all this choice stuff got to do with Fall? Simple...choose to go outside. There are so many benefits from being outdoors that we are missing by being inside. I know so many people who work in professional settings in town where they are in windowless buildings, segregated in cubicles, sitting and staring at computer screens all day. Is it any wonder more and more people feel anxious and depressed?? We are meant to be mobile creatures but we are increasingly sedentary with more and more "conveniences" being created where we never have to leave the house. Don't get me wrong, I love Walmart pick up, but because it keeps me from spending any more time inside Walmart than I would prefer and gives me more time to be doing things that I'd really like to be doing. But, my point is, as we become more tethered technologically, we are, in turn, more tethered inside, sitting down. The Pokemon Go game was heralded for getting so many people outdoors and around others. Yeah...I see that. It's better than staying inside. But, it still requires staring at an eletronic device and not really being mindful of the beauty that surrounds us. So, I'd really like to see people outside for the sake of being outside. Not for tracking down Pikachu and friends. 

There are a number of reasons being outside is beneficial, not the least of which is the role of sunlight and Vitamin D for enhancing and improving mood. Vitamin D plays an important role in our bodies functioning, including reducing risk of multiple sclerosis, decreasing risk of developing the flu, decreasing chances of developing heart disease and protecting bones from developing abnormalities like osteoporosis (www.healthline.com). Another benefit from being outside is that it helps us slow things down and be mindful. There are also a number of benefits for being present and mindful, with stress reduction being at the top of the list. There's just something about being outdoors, this time of year especially, that helps us relax, breathe and enjoy our surroundings. And the more we relax and breathe, the less stressed out we are. 

Fall is the time of year of reflection and change. I encourage you to take the time, make it a priority, to get outside and enjoy it. You'll be healthier physically and emotionally. 

If you're ready to learn how to make your health a priority, then give us a call at 256.258.7777. We're here to help you live the life of peace and purpose that you desire.