The sights and sounds of summer are gradually fading and fall is excitedly waiting on the horizon — it’s time to prepare for a new season. From colorful leaves to cozy sweaters and pumpkin-flavored goodies, fall is a time to get cozy and unwind from the bustling summer months before the hectic festivities of the upcoming holiday season kick in.
Fall is also when the weather starts cooling down and the sun sets earlier, meaning it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. If you live in an Independent Living community, there are plenty of fall activities you can enjoy to boost your mood and get in the spirit for an exciting, fun-filled fall.
Express Gratitude
When the days get colder and shorter, staying motivated and reflecting on what we’re grateful for becomes even more important. Expressing gratitude is proven to promote well-being by reducing stress and improving your overall mental and physical health. When you concentrate on the parts of your life that make you happy, you’re less likely to experience feelings of anxiety or depression.
This practice can also prevent you from comparing your life to others, helping you focus more on your own achievements and relationships to boost your self-esteem. One way to express gratitude is by creating a “gratitude board.” Throughout the month, post sticky notes on the board highlighting what you’re grateful for. This can serve as a visual reminder of the good things in your life.
Another option is writing thank-you notes to anyone you’re grateful for or who has helped you overcome past challenges. This activity can help you feel grateful about your support system and may boost the recipient’s mood, knowing they’ve positively impacted your life.
Check Out Fall Foliage
One of the most charming and magical aspects of fall is watching summer’s green leaves transform into bright, autumnal shades of red, orange and yellow. Going outside during the day when the sun is out to soak in the colorful fall scenery can improve your well-being. Plus, exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels, which helps regulate mood and reduces your risk of depression.
At Montereau, we treat wellness as a way of life with our Vitality Wellness Program to help residents maintain a fulfilling, active lifestyle. Our community provides walking trails and an outdoor courtyard, allowing seniors to enjoy valuable time outside to check out the fall foliage while enjoying activities such as gardening or fishing.
Our location in Tulsa also offers easy access to nearby parks, including Tulsa Botanic Garden or Woodward Park and Tulsa Garden Center, for more outdoor recreational opportunities. Taking a drive around the area to enjoy the scenic fall views can help you get out of the house and prevent boredom.
Paint Pumpkins
When you think about fall, pumpkins are probably one of the first images that come to mind. From indulging in pumpkin spice treats to visiting pumpkin patches, this seasonal squash has inspired many themed activities to enjoy during fall. One you can do right in the comfort of your home is pumpkin painting.
Pumpkin painting is a safe activity you can enjoy with the whole family, and it can improve your well-being and reduce stress. Research shows visual art activities provide many physical and psychological health benefits by reducing distress, increasing self-awareness and reflection, altering negative thinking or behavior patterns and stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure.
Our community features a fine arts studio as a campus amenity, where residents can express themselves creatively and socialize with others who share a passion for art. You can round up a few friends and enjoy pumpkin painting in the studio for a relaxing and fun fall group activity.
Discover More Wellness Activities at Montereau
At Montereau, we offer premium amenities and life-enriching activities to help residents stay active and build a vibrant social life all year long. If you’re looking to gain new hobbies and friendships, reach out to schedule a tour and see if our community aligns with your lifestyle needs.