As you prepare for shorter days and – in many areas of the country - colder weather in the months ahead, you may be wondering how to have fun and de-stress in the coming months while staying safe and healthy.

Luckily, there are plenty of options to enjoy some fall fun - both indoors and out!

1. Make Your Own Decorations or Costumes – whether it’s for Halloween, Thanksgiving or other holidays coming up in the colder months, tapping into your creativity is a great way to have some fun. Look up tutorials online, bounce ideas off of your friends or family and get to work on new, spooky decorations or the perfect table centerpiece. When it’s possible to involve others in these activities, creating together can grow your relationships and form stronger bonds. You can even compete to see who comes up with the best costume or has the craziest looking decoration!

2. Give Back – as the temperature begins to drop, the need for donations to local charities and organizations increase.  Go through your closet to find  rarely worn items such as clothes, jackets, boots or other cold-weather gear you no longer need and  find a local organization seeking these items. This creates space and improves organization in your home, but even better, giving to others  is can offer a greater sense of meaning and purpose while also improving your overall mood. If you don’t have any clothing items to donate, many nonprofit organizations are also looking for volunteers or food donations.

3. Give Yourself a Fall/Winter Resolution – although making a “resolution” is most often associated New Year’s, why wait until January 1st to make a healthy change in your life? Set an intention now to improve your mental or physical health throughout the fall and winter months. Start simply with a goal to drink more water throughout the day or challenge yourself to eat less fatty or sugary foods. You can even make a resolution to reach out and talk to a new friend or family member every week! Working on your overall wellbeing by developing healthier habits and routines can help you increase the sense of normalcy and consistency in your life, and help reduce stress and anxiety.

4. Get Outside – no matter the time of year, getting outside and enjoying fresh air and sunshine is a quintessential way to combat worries, uncertainty and even depression. Many wonders of nature are on display in the fall months in particular. Take the family or a small group of friends to go apple picking, pick out your own pumpkins or make your way through local corn mazes. Put on your comfy shoes and go hiking. Even a socially distant bonfire is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors while also decompressing and relaxing.