Fall is my favorite season, a time of change that invites us to slow down, reconnect, and nurture our wellbeing. As the air turns crisp and the leaves shift to rich hues, the season offers a unique opportunity to embrace balance and self-care.
The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more inviting. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk or a weekend hike through the changing foliage, spending time outdoors in fall can improve mood and reduce stress. Nature’s beauty in this season also inspires mindfulness—being present in the moment, whether it’s during a walk or while enjoying a hot cup of tea.
Fall is also a season of nourishment. With harvests of pumpkins, apples, and squash, it’s a perfect time to incorporate warm, hearty meals that fuel both body and soul. Seasonal produce supports immunity and helps prepare us for the cooler months ahead. (See here for my favorite butternut squash soup recipe!)
As the days grow shorter, it’s natural to embrace rest. Fall is ideal for creating or refining evening routines that promote relaxation, such as reading, meditation, or enjoying a calming tea before bed. Prioritizing sleep and rest during this season help to restore energy and prepares us for winter.
Finally, fall encourages us to let go, just as the trees shed their leaves. It’s a time for reflection, to release stress or habits that no longer serve us, and to set new intentions as we approach the year’s end.
By aligning with the rhythm of the season, we can nurture our wellbeing and find peace in the transition that fall brings.
Lily M. Belfi, MD, FACR
Professor of Clinical Radiology
Director of Medical Student Education
Division of Emergency/ Musculoskeletal Radiology
Weill Cornell Medicine
In “Words of Wellness” on www.radfyi.org/, members of the ARRS Wellness Subcommittee share what “wellness” and “wellbeing” mean in their own clinical practices, research focuses, and everyday lives.
Dr. Belfi’s ARRS “Sound of Wellness” Playlist Selection:
Carolina In My Mind
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