Autumn | thesofiamagazine

Stress Less this Fall with Calming Autumn Activities

by admin | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Autumn, Recreation, Stress, Women

With school and work kicking into full gear, fall is the time to get back to business. Along with the excitement of this busy season, though, comes a fair amount of stress. New schedules and a different pace can make you wish for the lazy days of summer to return. But don’t let the fall season shatter your nerves. Instead, take advantage of the calming activities autumn has to offer, and make room in your routine for some satisfying relaxation.

Try these six ways to de-stress during the fall, and have your most enjoyable season yet.

Take a Colorful Drive

Autumn colors aren’t just pleasing to the eye; they can be highly stress-relieving. That’s because such sensory experiences as soaking up the vibrant colors of the changing leaves divert the mind to something gratifying and positive. Take a drive along a scenic, tree-lined roadway and stop for a picnic lunch to bask in the glory of nature–and the peace and tranquility it brings.

Embrace the Spices of the Season

Spices can rev up ordinary food and drink, but they also have the power to calm. Some of the best spices for stress relief are those prominent during the fall months. Nutmeg is an ancient spice used to relieve anxiety and treat insomnia, while cinnamon helps calm the digestive system and cloves relax the muscles. A pinch is all you need from these powerful stress relievers.

Enjoy Fall Deals at the Spa

Now that life is back to routine for the family, it’s time to focus on you. Many spas around town offer deals to help you do just that. Research fall specials on relaxing activities that will help you unwind and recharge, like a calming body soak, massage, or pedicure. A trip to the spa can be just what the doctor ordered for stress, and autumn deals can make this activity hard to pass up.

Sip on a Hot Drink

If you like sipping on hot cocoa during the fall months, you’ll do more than satiate your taste buds. Cocoa contains polyphenol antioxidants known to relax the mind and boost mood. Don’t care for cocoa? Other hot drinks soothe and relax the body. Try spiced apple cider or cinnamon tea, or enjoy a healthy hot soup made from squash or other fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Do Some Autumn Exercise

Known to release endorphins that calm and relax the body, exercise is one of the best de-stressors of all. Fall offers up plenty of stress-reducing exercise options in a crisp outdoor venue. Go on a hike, bike the nature trails, or play some golf. You can even rake leaves for an invigorating and relaxing activity right at home.

Don’t let the autumn stress you out. Revel in this enjoyable time of year with calming activities that also benefit your health.

Hold On to Summer with These Outdoor Exercise Activities

by admin | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Autumn, Recreation, Women

If you like exercising outside during the summer months, here’s some good news: when the season ends, you don’t have to move your workout indoors. Cooler weather, colorful scenery, and fewer crowds can make exercising outside in autumn the most enjoyable workouts of the year. Try any of these outdoor fitness activities this fall and let a little summer back into your exercise routine.

Practice yoga outdoors. Hot yoga at the studio may be all the rage, but practicing yoga outside is refreshingly peaceful–and scenic. Yoga classes are offered at all kinds of outdoor venues, including wineries, rooftops, and stadiums. Check your local paper or look online for a class that piques your interest. Then enjoy the crisp, cool air while you work on toning, strength, and balance. Namaste to that!

Hit the lake. Don’t let the cooler water temperatures keep you from enjoying some lake exercise in the fall. Throw on a wetsuit and have fun paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, or swimming–without all the boat and beach traffic of the summer. Of course, you don’t have to get in the lake to get exercise. Why not kayak, canoe, or row for a great way to work your biceps, shoulders, and core?

Go park hopping. Parks have a myriad of fitness activities at your disposal, and with the kids back at school, there’s more room for you to do what you like. Check out the trails, try inline skating, or bring your dog and toss the Frisbee. Whatever your fitness flavor, parks have it all in the fall. Don’t limit yourself to one park, though. Hop around, and get a different workout each time.

Tackle the chores. Did you put off doing chores this summer? There’s no better time than autumn to get them done–and get fit. Many fall outdoor chores, such as chopping wood, raking, and cleaning gutters, involve moderate to vigorous exercise. Besides getting a good workout, you’ll feel useful and productive. Just be sure to stretch, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed.

Don’t let the end of summer change your exercise plans. Fall outdoor fitness can be even more fun than exercising outside in the summer. Take your pick of the season’s activities, and enjoy a great workout in the comfort and beauty of autumn.

Capture the Season in a Cup– Happy Fall

by admin | Oct 1, 2019 | Asheville, Autumn, Lifestyle

The leaves are beginning to change color and the smell of fall is in the air. The days are getting chilly, so now is the time to dig those cozy sweaters out of the back of your closet. There’s no doubt that fall is one of the best seasons not just because of the weather, but also because of the fall-themed drinks. Pumpkin spice lattes have become a traditional, and delicious seasonal beverage. However, don’t limit yourself to one brew when there are so many other amazing mixtures. Here are three fall-themed drinks that are the perfect beverage for the season and that you can make at home!

Hot Chocolate—With a Twist

Hot chocolate is a standard cold weather staple. It’s pretty easy: cocoa powder, hot milk, and a dash of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy. But this hot chocolate is different. To upgrade your typical hot chocolate, add a dash of pumpkin puree to the milk as you are heating it. Let those two flavors meld together, then stir in the cocoa powder. You’ll be left with a pumpkin-y hot chocolate that tastes delicious. It might sound strange, but the flavor is mind-blowing. If you really want to spice it up, sprinkle the top with pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

Homemade Apple Cider

Are you trying to figure out what to do with all of those apples you got while you were apple picking this season? Instead of apple pie, grab eight to ten apples and make your own apple cider! First, core your apples and cut into quarters, then add them to a large pot. Add just enough water to cover the apples, then add a half cup of sugar (or a full cup if you like your cider sweeter). Add a cinnamon stick or two, and three or four tablespoons of allspice, then simmer on low for an hour. The result is a delicious, homemade apple cider that makes your kitchen smell exactly like fall.

Spiked Spanish Coffee

As the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, it becomes harder to stay awake in the evening. But this Spiked Spanish Coffee will keep you alert as it soothes your nerves from the day. Brew any kind of coffee then add a shot of brandy, and a shot of Kahlua. No need for extra creamer here—the Kahlua adds a boozy shot of cream. Mix together and serve hot. It’s the perfect drink to sip after dinner.

These three delicious drinks are sure to keep you feeling cozy this fall. While you’re in between pumpkin spice lattes, try making one of these drinks at home. You could cozy up with a good book and the hot chocolate, or sit by the fireplace sipping on a spiked coffee. You may even try making homemade apple cider at your next gathering!