YAY! Fall is here! But as soon as you take that dreadful walk to class and your earlobes feel colder then they have in a long time, you’re going to miss summer! I love fall, don’t get me wrong. Who doesn’t love going apple picking, drinking pumpkin flavored coffee, or getting to wear your favorite boots and light sweaters. But what comes after fall? Winter. Winter is fun for about a week, and then it’s a slushly grey mess. Remember these tips and you’ll have a slice of summer all year long!
KEEP WORKING OUT THAT BEACH BOD: You’ve probably gotten into a really good workout regime like most people tend to do when they spend most of their free time in a bikini. Just because you’re hiding your tummy under layers as the leaves change color doesn’t mean you should cut back on your trips to the gym. Getting in a good workout and maintaining your beach body will make you feel better about yourself and you’ll want to indulge on the AMAZING bathing suit sales that go on from now until March. Plus you’ll be a step ahead of all your friends come spring break!
Cancun, Cancun, Cancun…
EAT YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER FOODS: Just because it’s fall now doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep eating your favorite summer fruits or desserts. In my opinion ice cream is never just for summer. You can get low fat frozen yogurts all the time and they’ll really cheer you up if you’re in a fall slump. I can’t get enough of strawberries, bananas, and raspberries and just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean I stop! I also tend to eat lots of salmon in the summer, but fish in general is so good for you it should be eaten all the time! Eat whatever you want, whether or not it’s considered a seasonal food, just eat in moderation as always and avoid sugary processed foods like candies and sodas.
Our favorite year-round treat!
KEEP POURING YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER DRINKS: You can still put that little toothpick umbrella in your drinks, but I’d suggest you don’t do that after August. You CAN still drink your favorite fruity cocktails this fall though. If you have a go to drink there is no reason you need to change it up seasonally. If you like making sangria in the summer, make it in the fall! You can always ad new ingredients to your drinks to make them more “fall friendly” but I’ll be the first to admit I’ll be drinking pineapple mango rum style drinks and my moms famous Dark& Stormies until the next prohibition.
DON’T LOSE YOUR SUMMER GLOW: I feel like I take the best pictures in the summer. I always frame pictures with my friends for my room or change my profile pictures to summer pictures… Its not that I look any different or my smile is better in the sun. Its because my skin looks the best because its healthy and has a summer glow! I’m not a big fan of tanning beds, but every once in a while I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. If you go everyday for 20 minutes you have a problem and you definitely look like a Snooki doppleganger. If you’re really against tanning get a spray on tan, they don’t look bad and it can be a natural glow. I prefer to use the booths instead of having someone do it by hand. Its cheaper, less awkward and surprisingly I think it comes out more evenly. A really good (secret) way to keep your skin glowing is by using a tan towel. They are great ways to get the glow inexpensively and without harming your skin.
GO OUTSIDE! You spend so much time outside in the summer whether it’s on the beach, on the boat, or on a hike. You shouldn’t spend your free time under yucky fluorescent lighting. Sunshine is packed with vitamin D that you need to live a healthy lifestyle. Did you know that if you don’t go outside enough you could have a disorder? I’m serious. Nature Deficit Disorder is a real thing! Not going outside enough can have real effects on your mental health and wellness. By getting outside you can also help your vision by getting your eyes off of constant TV or laptop screens, and clear your mind of stress making you have less anxiety. Getting outside also gives you a burst of natural energy!
You don’t have to wear white pants to the bar, or be the girl who clearly didn’t look at the weather and walks around campus in shorts mid-november, just keep the best healthy aspects of summer alive this fall! Embracing the changing seasons is a big reason why so many people love New England, but finding a way to incorporate all of them is the smartest thing to do. People who balance all their lifestyle no matter what season are happier, and have less anxiety. So go for a hayride, carve a pumpkin but don’t forget to go for a nice jog on the beach in the brisk cool air or work lots of produce/fish into your diet! It’s all about balance my friends.