6 ways to beat the post-summer blues: getting back into your fall routine

It’s that time of year again: the undeniable, unrelenting, inevitable end of summer—while this autumnal transition is a tad more drastic for those of us living in cooler climes, the seasonal shift can be challenging for anyone. 

There's something about the back-to-school season that gets everyone thinking about getting back-to-something, whether they’re students or not. And I’m not talking back-to-reality, because summer is reality too—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! No, it’s simpler than all that. Moseying on into fall is about relinquishing your hold on those chillaxed days of reclining in the sun with colorful drink in hand—or daily late morning jogs in your cute new shorts. Let go of the swimming, BBQs and vacays, they say…and start thinking about getting shit done again (while wearing a sweater). Sigh.

But fret not! While you may be dreading the end of summer in anticipation of the winter blues, or struggles with physical health that so many of us deal with in colder temperatures, just know that it doesn’t need to go down like that. Now is the time to revive healthy habits that will keep your motor humming happily, through your busy fall and right on into next summer (and then some).

Consider the following 6 ways of beating those post-summer blues and embracing fall in all its gorgeous glory.

1. Don’t go to bed too late

It can be really challenging to acknowledge an earlier wakeup by setting an earlier bedtime that won’t leave you zombified all the live-long day at work or school. That’s not good for anyone. Try the gradual approach: go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night until you’re heading off to snoozeland at a respectable hour considering your new fall schedule. Trouble sleeping? Never fear, because orgasms can help you sleep better. When you cum, your body releases hormones that make you uber relaxed and drowsy. And remember: masturbation can be a tireless source of orgasms, so don’t let partnered sex get all the credit!

2. Eat good food

It may seem basic, and it is—that's the whole point, baby. Maybe you ate more fruits and vegetables during the summer, and you had more meals with friends and family—all healthy habits. Fall means new seasonal fruits and vegetables (sweet potato, kale, pumpkin!), so be sure to explore new recipes for grounding dishes as you move into the cooler months. Prep food for the week in advance if you have to—think big ol’ batches of chili/butternut squash soup all up in your freezer. Drink lots and lots of water even if it's not hot outside anymore, and minimize processed foods. Not sexy enough for you? Then eat for your sexual health: certain foods help to balance your hormones, keep your libido healthy, and boost your stamina in the sack.

3. Get physical, physical 

According to Discovery Health, the “runner's high” you get from vigorous exercise (i.e., running,  hiking, cycling, power yoga) can make you hornier than a randy goat. A good workout stimulates blood flow, increasing sexual agility and desire, baby. Note: sex is also a form of exercise, so it follows that having sex makes you want more sex. If it’s been ages since you exercised regularly but you know you need to do something to counteract 8+ hours of computer-gazing per day, start with stretching—it’s less daunting than weight training or cardio, so it’s a great way to start moving again. Plus, it keeps your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. Really, there are endless reasons to stretch: try these ones out to combat anxiety.

4. Inhale that crisp, fall air

As tempting as transitioning from a beach chair to your couch (AKA your new home) may be,  staying inside 24/7 will do you no favors, you summer goddess, you. The question is, do you really wanna miss out on strolling leisurely past trees aglow with changing leaves, or filling baskets with mouthwateringly fresh apples, or enjoying a bout of hot, safe, consensual, well-planned, yet unabashedly adventurous outdoor sex? There’ll be plenty of time for Netflix and hot cocoa, but let’s not forget the myriad other ways to enjoy the season. Work tip: if you’re chained to a computer all day, try to take an outdoor breather/brief walk every hour—on the hour!

5. Get organized

For many of us, fall is a juggling act of returning to regular work hours, full-time studies, or parenting plus all of the above—you get the idea. Oftentimes, the only way to stay relatively sane and calm and not feel like ‘free time' is an evilly persistent myth, is to get @#$%&*$ organized. There are as many ways to draw up a badass schedule as there are people, so do what you have to do. This could mean getting a wall-sized whiteboard up in your kitchen, using an effective online calendar tool, or perhaps most importantly of all, going on a social media diet so you’re not wasting valuable time that could otherwise be spent sipping coffee in the sun or jumping into irresistible piles of orange-red-yellow leaves, 'nam sayin? Hot tip: there's zero shame in scheduling sex right along with everything else.

6. Get down with downtime

Most of us are hyper-focused on doing, accomplishing, and acquiring. It's the way of the Western world as we know it, and we’re locked in. But finding a counterbalance to all this outward focus is crucial to our health—be it mental, emotional, or physical. Without balance, we end up overwhelmed and totally depleted. While many think of downtime as watching a movie, running errands, or scrolling social media feeds, what it really means is not doing, and nourishing the mind by giving it a rest. Consider taking a hot bath, gazing into a fire, meditating, or getting lost in a good book. Quality downtime helps you recharge, which in turn gives you the focus and energy to take on work, school, or any of life’s countless other challenges. And if you're all about some sensual downtime, consider exploring tantric masturbation.

Bottom line: with one life to live (that we know of), seizing each season is the very best we humanoids can do. Happy fall to all! One love. <3