Fall is right around the corner, which means the time for pumpkin spice, hayrides, and apple picking is almost here! However, as we all get back to work and school, it is easy to find ourselves sometimes feeling more stressed. When worrying about your to-do list for tomorrow or about how you’re going to get the kids to practice and clubs while still staying on track with your own schedule, try making these small, simple swaps to help you stay calm and centered.

Smart Snacking

Even when a heaping bowl of ice cream or a piece of cake sounds like heaven, try to only indulge on occasion. While carbs and sweets are a delicious way to treat yourself for getting through another busy day, there are more beneficial, healthier snacks for the stressful fall months. By swapping these sweets out for strawberries or sliced bell peppers, you gain helpful antioxidants and nutrients that can help keep you healthy and ready for whatever lies ahead. For a dose of fall flare and stress-reducing magnesium, try adding a side of pumpkin seeds or peanuts to your meal, instead of something like fries or chips. Along with nutrition, Boiron’s Ignatia amara can relieve symptoms such as emotional stress, hypersensitivity, and moodiness.*

Wise Workouts

At times, relaxation can be the best way to regroup and unwind. However, if you constantly put off exercise in favor of lounging, it can magnify your feelings of stress. Movement is helpful; it can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body and help you forget about the day’s irritations in favor of concentrating on your movements. So, if lifting weights seems like an impossible hurdle, opt for calming yoga. If your regular run feels like too much to handle, a brisk walk can still work wonders. No matter what you choose, know that even just 10 minutes of exercise can help! In addition to physical activity, consider using Boiron StressCalm to further calm occasional nervous tension, fatigue, and irritability.*

Better Breathing

It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of the season. Between figuring out how you’ll get your kids’ school supplies at the last minute and trying to establish routines around new activities, fall can feel overwhelming. To help you refocus on the present and shake off your stress, embrace deep breathing techniques. One easy breathing exercise is to count to five as you breathe in, hold, and then count to five as you breathe out. Calm, mindful breathing will help you to slow your body and mind down and concentrate on the problems you can tackle now. When faced with unexpected stress or worry, Gelsemium sempervirens can also help to calm stage fright and apprehension.*

Looking for more ways to relieve symptoms of stress? Try the free Boiron Medicine Finder app, and discover treatment approaches for your specific symptoms.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.