In my neck of the woods, Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, it seems Fall (Autumn if you're fancy) is upon us. Five days into September and you can feel a chill in the air already. You might even spot a few leaves changing colour. Did you know autumn anxiety is actually a thing now? If you are dreading the end of summer, I'm here to tell you to stop focusing on hanging onto what's left of summer and start embracing Fall. It is my favourite season and it gets me excited about possibilities. As women, we know the importance of having a cycle that allows us to let go of what we no longer need and to start fresh. Now there's a metaphor for you (men if you're reading -  sorry, but not sorry). If you're not quite convinced, read on for my list of 10 reasons why Fall is the best season, and why you should embrace it. 

1. The Snuggle is Real

I love snuggling. If you do too, get excited for snuggle weather. Whether your snuggle buddy of choice is your bae, your tiny humans, or fur babies, it is proven to be good for your health, releasing those "feel-good" hormones and in some cases improving communication and self esteem. So, go ahead - netflix and chill guilt-free, as long as you have a partner in crime to join you. 

2. Your Skin Needs a Break

Ok, I would be a hypocrite to over-emphasize outer beauty but I am kind of obsessed with skin care. Of all the anti-aging strategies I've invested in, the best thing you can do to keep your skin from aging is to protect yourself from UV rays. Even if your skin isn't burning, the more exposure to the sun, the more you accelerate the aging process. Think of Fall as a way to protect you from this as you're spending less time in direct sunlight. Not to mention it's easier to stay hydrated which is also great for your skin. 

3. It Sparks a Mental Shift

Is it just me, or is there this "back-to-school" nostalgia in the air that inspires you to learn and grow? The mental shift as we transition into Fall motivates me to read more, get reconnected with my goals, and make some necessary adjustments. It also reminds me there's only a little over a quarter of the year left to make this year count. So take Fall as an opportunity to refocus on personal development. 

4. Fall Flavours

This morning I felt like a walking suburban cliché sipping on my pumpkin spiced latte in my lululemon tights waiting to start my cardio class. But that latte did more than give me my caffeine fix. It triggered the mental shift mentioned in #3 and was extra satisfying with the chill in the air. I do savour my warm beverages, soups, chillis, and curries a lot more in the Fall. Even my personal fav, pad thai is a comfort food enjoyed more in colder weather, especially with some added spice. And I can't forget red wine, another favourite that often collects dust on the shelf at social gatherings in the summer. 

5. Fall Brings Back Routine

If you don't have the luxury of working from home, or need to drop your tiny humans off to school like I do, you might be dealing with more traffic, this is true. But on the plus side, this means routine! Kids are back to school and families are back from vacations. It means you get to start feeling more productive, accomplished, and in control of the schedule.  

6. Fall Fashion

Warm sweaters, plaid shirts, boots, and pants weather mean you're cozy and looking good in beautiful Fall colours and layers. As an added bonus, you don't have to shave your legs every day or spend a fortune on pedicures if you don't want to. 

7. Fall is Beautiful

I love driving around or taking a brisk walk through the river valley to take in the beautiful Fall colours. The colours are not as diverse or lasting as they are on the East Coast where I grew up, but beautiful nonetheless. Sidenote- as you can see below, my husband and I got married in Halifax in October as the leaves just started turning. 

8. Staying Fit is Easier

If you're like me, you love to exercise outdoors but give up quickly in the heat or get distracted by less intense outdoor activity like... I don't know... sipping margaritas by the lake. And once it's cooler, you're motivated to spend more time working off those extra summer calories. If you are excercising outdoors, remember reason #2 above and wear your SPF protection even if it doesn't feel hot!

9. Halloween

Need I say more? It's my absolute favourite holiday. It's an excuse to be a kid again, decorate, dress up or re-live it through your kids' eyes. As long as you resist over-eating all the treats, Halloween is something to look forward to. 

10. Thanksgiving

I already mentioned the Fall flavours and comfort foods, but Thanksgiving is more than just an excuse to binge. It's a reason to gather with friends and family and remind yourself how much we have to be grateful for. Also, did you know gratitude opens the door to new relationships, improves psychological health and mental strength among other scientifically proven benefits?

Conclusion

Now, how about you? Do you love Fall or not so much? Comment below with your favourite season and why. If you have other reasons why Fall is a season to embrace, include them in your comment as well. I might even add it to the list!

Other than Fall, what else might you need to embrace more in your life? I've got a FREE workbook for you that will help you not only embrace but create more of what you want. All you need to do is sign up to become a Dialogue Insider and join a community of like-minded multipassionates who value community over competition. Everything we offer at Dialogue is designed with women, like you, in mind that want to deliberately attract and influence their way to a more fulfilling life, on their own terms.  Click below and join our tribe, it's super easy!