As summer winds down, transitioning to a healthy fall routine can feel challenging. The days get shorter, activities move indoors, and the temptation to stay cozy on the couch becomes stronger. However, fall can be a great time to reset and refocus on your health goals.
Here are some practical ways to find your wellness this season:
Embrace seasonal ingredients and meals
Plan simple, nourishing meals that fit the season and your schedule. Good options include:
- Low-sodium soups and stews made in the slow cooker
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Sheet pan chicken or salmon
- Mediterranean-inspired meals, such as chickpea salads or hummus wraps
Check out these heart-healthy recipes and cooking tips perfect for fall, then connect with a dietitian or nutrition coach to align your meals with your goals. Mass General Brigham Health Plan members can get personalized one-on-one health coaching by phone at no cost. Specially trained Health Coaches can answer questions about health and wellness topics and help members create a wellness plan. To get started, members can call the Customer Service number on the back of their member ID card, call 866-414-5533 (TTY:711), or email HealthPlanHealthandWellness@mgb.org.
Create a bedtime routine
After the late summer nights and vacation sleep-ins, returning to a consistent bedtime is important for your overall well-being. Try going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night toward the end of summer to ease back into a regular schedule. Turning off devices before bed can also help your mind unwind and prepare for sleep.
Avoid eating large meals right before bedtime to allow your body to rest. If you need a light snack, choose something balanced, such as Greek yogurt with fruit or granola, apple slices with peanut butter, a handful of almonds or blueberries, or cereal with milk.
Prioritize mental wellness
Saying goodbye to the carefree days of summer can be tough. Support your mental well-being with small, intentional habits such as:
- Using a natural light lamp to help lift your mood during darker days, especially after the clocks change.
- Practicing yoga or breathing exercises to stay calm and clear-minded.
- Scheduling vacation or mental health days in advance so you have something to look forward to and can break up long workweeks.
If you need support, check out these free and low-cost resources for maintaining your mental health. If you’re a Mass General Brigham Health Plan member, take a look at the mental health resources available to you.
Adapt and stay active
Autumn brings cooler weather and shorter days, but there are plenty of ways to stay active in the fall. Try exercising in the morning or taking a walk in the early afternoon while there is still daylight. Joining a gym or fitness class can help you maintain momentum by creating a consistent environment for exercising. Some health insurance plans offer fitness reimbursement for eligible gyms and wellness programs. If you’re a Mass General Brigham Health Plan member, learn more about the fitness reimbursement benefit in your plan materials.
Lean into the season by exploring the fall foliage on a walk or bike ride. Look for outdoor yoga classes in seasonal spots, such as farms or apple orchards. If your exercise routine feels stale, try switching up your activities or gamifying your wellness plan with help from a wellness platform. The Mass General Brigham Health Plan wellness hub helps members set personalized health goals, earn rewards, choose activities that fit their interests and well-being needs, and join challenges to build healthy habits. Members can sign in to the Mass General Brigham Health Plan Member Portal to get started.