It is that time of year again. The leaves are turning brilliant fall colors, the mornings are cool and crisp, the rain has begun, and the signs are there that winter is coming.
As we exit a long, dry summer and enter the darker fall and winter seasons, there are things that we need to start thinking about now. If we are in rural areas, the animals are in a rut and are not acting normally. Slow down, pay extra attention to what is going on and watch for animals darting out in front of you on the roadways. This is the time of year when we experience the highest number of animal strikes, and they can be dangerous.
The coming of fall means shorter days and less sunlight. This combined with colder and often wetter mornings can leave us feeling sluggish. For this reason, it is important to get back on a disciplined routine, set that alarm to get up the same time every morning, eat some breakfast and drink a warm cup of coffee to shake off the cobwebs. We don’t realize how well the sunshine does this in the spring and summer until it disappears in the fall and is replaced with darker mornings.
Finally, look forward to the holidays and family. Decorate and put up some Christmas lights. This raises the spirits and helps us to transition to the 2 to 3 months of winter. Note that winter can be the time of year when people get depressed and lack energy. Try some things to avoid this such as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and working out 3 to 5 times per week for 30 to 60 minutes. It does the body well and keeps the mind healthy.
Enjoy the winter months, maybe a bit of snow and the wonder of spring that is only months away. Each day is a blessing, so cherish them and be safe out there.