{HMW} 6 Ways to Refresh Your Self-Care for Fall and Winter


Dear Reader,

As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to update your self-care routine to align with the new season. If you’re someone who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this is especially important. Making small but intentional shifts in how we care for ourselves can have a profound impact on our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being as the colder months roll in.

Here are six simple ways to help you feel more grounded, cozy, and connected this season:

Dust Off Those Happy Lights 💡

If you struggle with SAD, now is the time to bring out your happy lights. Alternatively, try standing by a window or stepping outside to soak up the sun (eyes closed, of course) for 2-3 minutes. These simple acts help your body absorb the natural light your pineal gland craves, which can regulate your circadian rhythm and uplift your mood. Even short bursts of sunlight can make a big difference!

Warm Up Your Plate and Your Cup 🍵

Swap out the ice water and cold smoothies for warming foods and beverages that nourish your body from the inside out. Think teas, lattes, soups, and stews filled with hearty root vegetables. These seasonal foods are grounding, comforting, and packed with nutrients that help support your immune system when you need it most.

Embrace the Outdoors, Rain or Shine 🌲

It’s easy to hunker down indoors when the weather isn’t ideal, but make it a priority to get outside daily—even if it’s cold, windy, or rainy. Fresh air, nature, and movement are essential for mental clarity and emotional well-being, even more so in the colder months. Bundle up and breathe it in!

Seek Connection, Even in Hibernation Mode 👯

If you tend to withdraw or isolate during winter, consider joining in-person or online communities that foster a sense of connection, safety, and belonging. Whether it’s a book club, hobby group, or online wellness circle, these connections can provide the warmth and support we often miss when the days are short and dreary.

Try a New Wellness Trend 🛁

Curious about the latest wellness craze? Now is a great time to experiment with self-care techniques like infrared saunas, hyperbaric chambers, or hot tubs. Not only do they feel indulgent, but they can also boost circulation, reduce stress, and improve recovery. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore what feels good for your body during this season.

Adjust Your Fitness Routine 🧘🏻‍♀️

Take stock of your current workout routine and make any necessary adjustments for the colder months. Whether you’re moving more of your activities indoors or simply having a plan B for those snow days, staying active is key. Personally, I love hot yoga in the fall and winter—it’s the perfect way to warm up and stay limber. Come spring and summer, though, you’ll find me swimming or hiking instead!


These shifts may seem small, but they can help you stay balanced, energized, and joyful all season long. After all, the way we care for ourselves needs to evolve with the rhythms of nature.

What changes will you try this fall and winter?

Have it:

For all my fellow foodies, I found this very useful Food Reference site that has recipes, food trends, listings of food festivals and more!

Interesting Article Alert: Travel could be the best defense against aging

I've been enjoying The Good Patch products - I have tried the B12 awake, Be calm, and the Think patches. Excited to try all the others!

Made it:

Spicy shawarma tofu + Ras El Hanout = dinner bliss

🌿🍽️. This week’s 5-Senses Sunday is all about autumn’s 🍂 sights, 🎶 sounds, and 🍁 scents.

From the Tik Tok Vault: Don't let the Food Police get you Down

Recipe Bundle: Grab my "Get Ready for Fall Nutrition" recipe bundle here.

Want it:

Vegan Apple Cinnamon Ashwaganda gummies!

Great way to get your Fermented foods in.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Shallot

Shallots are like the quieter, more sophisticated cousin of onions—offering a delicate, nuanced flavor without overpowering the dish. They're perfect for adding that subtle touch of sweetness and depth, whether you're sautéing them as a base for soups or using them raw in a zesty vinaigrette. Plus, they're easy on digestion and bring an elegant finish to any meal.

Mindful cooking at its finest!

Try these scrumptious meals featuring shallot, here.

Announcements & Upcoming:

Coming soon:

For all my single ladies! The Sassy Single Woman Bundle - Oct 14-28th

Ultimate Bundles - A Year of Holiday's Bundle - October 14-18th (I submitted a new product for this that normally sells for $15) Can't wait to share this one with you.

Mom's total Wellness Swag Bag Bundle - opens October 1st.

Extra Bytes:

What I'm Reading: The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel, by Mikki Brammer {highly recommended!}

What I'm Watching: The Origins of Self-criticism - Nick Wignall

What I'm Listening to: This Cozy Autumn Jazz Playlist

What I'm Eating: Broccoli Cavatappi with Tomatoes & Mint Pesto

That's it for me this week. Hope you have a healthy and happy hump day!

Warmly,

Jenny

P.S

Love this newsletter and my work? Consider buying me a coffee!

The Conscious Eating Coach

Welcome to "Have it // Made it // Want it Wednesday," a space where we come together to explore the realms of Eating Psychology, Mindful & Intuitive Eating, Meal Planning, and Culinary Nutrition.

Read more from The Conscious Eating Coach

Dear Reader, Introducing.... I know, I know. It’s still just the middle of October. But you know what’s just a few weeks away? The beginning of peak holiday season. Halloween kicks off a very busy few months for all of us, so it never hurts to get ahead and work on organizing and planning as much of those upcoming festivities as possible. Imagine yourself…this could be the year you actually enjoy the holidays instead of feeling like the busiest elf in Santa’s workshop. To that end, I have...

Dear Reader, Ever notice how the pull of instant gratification—like grabbing that bag of chips when you’re stressed or eating ice cream after a long day—feels impossible to resist? That’s limbic friction at work. Your limbic system is the brain’s emotional center, driving automatic behaviors (aka System 1 thinking). It’s fast and instinctive, but when it comes to building sustainable food habits, this friction can derail us from our goals. Limbic friction is the mental tug-of-war between what...

Dear Reader, How much of your day is spent doing what you need to do versus what you want to do? Chances are, it’s pretty skewed. Most of us are consumed by the daily grind—laundry, school drop-offs, commuting to work—with much less time for the things we actually enjoy. If I had a 100% “want” day, it would include a yoga class, a delicious vegan lunch (made by someone else, of course), and an afternoon filled with spa treatments, music, and time with my favorite people. The daily grind can...