Wow, what a roller coaster ride we are all on this Fall. When I established our editorial calendar for the year and decided that Fall was the perfect time to remind all we women to “Fall for Ourselves,” little did I know why it would be SO important to take even better care of ourselves!

Election:

We’ve just experienced a very important election and regardless of whether you celebrated the winner, we will all be tasked with pulling together to get our country back on track.

Economy:

Many of us have seen our net worth/retirement accounts dwindle, have lost homes, or have been unable to make planned moves because of the housing meltdown. And, all of this at a time when expenses just seem to be getting higher…kids in college, perhaps returning to school yourself, helping parents because their late life expenses are skyrocketing (and how could they have known?), food, energy, etc.

Combat Anxiety:

When I find myself getting anxious and yes, even a little (or a lot) depressed, I find myself saying what I have said for years, “You just never know when you get up in the morning what this day will hold.” It may be more bad news, some good news, or a new opportunity. But, one thing we all know and perhaps need to be reminded of is that this is the only moment, hour, day we’ve got so let’s make the most of it.

Take Care of Yourself:

Making the most of it may be making the decision to take care of yourself so you have something to give to the others in your life. I have adopted the following steps to ward off the “mean reds” as Audrey Hepburn said in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

• Exercise at least an hour every day (maybe pull out that bicycle and kayak that are gathering dust in the garage)
• Eat at healthily as the pocket book will allow, starting with a great breakfast
• Curb the wine consumption (new drink idea from my brother…grapefruit juice and club soda)
• Take my vitamins
• Ward off negativity in whatever form it takes
• Play with my friends
• Cut out most sugar
• Watch funny movies
• Zen out in my own backyard
• Explore new areas close by
• Get enough sleep

We can help each other out during this very hard time. Let’s band together and offer support, ideas, and encouragement!

P.S. One of my favorite websites is Real Simple. Here is a link to Worried? Ten Ways to Sooth Your Fears