Start All Over Again This Fall

In the Jewish calendar, fall is the start of a new year. This has always made sense to me. I guess because the school year begins in the fall, it feels like a natural starting place. What are you beginning this fall?

I have to admit, I'm not necessarily a fan of starting over. I've been married to the same man for close to 30 years. We've been living in the same home for almost 20. I've been teaching the same classes--or something very similar--for at least 10. Sure, I'm okay with small changes. Little tweaks. But beginning something brand new can be scary.

While doing the same old familiar things over and over can feel comforting and safe, there are many good reasons for trying something new. Here are a few suggestions for ways you might want to break out of your usual groove this fall and mix things up:

1) Change up your diet. Eating the same foods day after day, week after week might not be the best thing for your nutritional status. Take a tour through the grocery store or the farmers' market and throw some new items into your basket. Have you ever tasted kohlrabi? Do you ever make Moroccan food? Explore some different cuisines and try out some new recipes. Your taste buds will thank you.

2) Switch up your workout. If you usually do yoga on Mondays and Pilates on Thursdays, try a couple of new classes. How about T'ai Chi? Or tap dancing? If you only exercise indoors, consider a bootcamp class or a bike club. Maybe join a tennis league. Repeating the same workout over and over allows your body to become very efficient, and thus burns fewer calories. When you try a new workout that challenges you, you will use different muscles, develop new neural pathways, and get fitter and stronger. Your brain also benefits from learning new skills.

3) Spice up your appearance. When was the last time you changed your look? How about your hair style? This fall, consider your clothing, make up, jewelry, and accessories. Is it time for a change? Be bold!

4) Spruce up your abode. You don't have to buy new furniture or hire an interior designer to freshen up the inside and/or outside of your house. Repositioning the things you already own can make the space feel brand new. Re-home or donate the items that no longer appeal. Rearrange what's left and you might fall in love with your home all over again.

Even something as simple as walking your dog on a different route or driving a different way to work can stimulate your mind (and your dog's mind!) and help blow off the cobwebs. Let me know what you discover!