Seasonal Productivity Tips for Fall

___

BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

___

Sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, cozy nights with tea and a great movie — what’s not to love about fall?

After a summer of relaxation, I feel ready to jump in and make the most of these last few months of the calendar year.

That back-to-school spirit is in the air, even for grown-ups. Fall always reminds me of getting fresh new notebooks and pencils, picking out a special outfit for the first day of school, and organizing my locker and desk. Yep, I’ve been a productivity nerd for a long time!

Over the years I’ve continued to do a yearly fall productivity reset. It’s the perfect time to assess your habits and make the necessary changes so you can enjoy these last few months before the holiday season kicks in.

If you’re ready to make the most of fall, check out these seasonal productivity tips:

1) Prioritize sunlight.

As the sun starts setting earlier and earlier, it’s essential to make the most of daylight. Getting as much natural light as you can earlier in the day can help you adjust. Opening your curtains, getting out for a quick morning walk before work, or moving your work station closer to a natural light source are all great ways to get a boost of Vitamin D as you begin your day. Science backs up this suggestion — morning light is proven to boost serotonin as well as improve focus and concentration!

2) Create a wind-down routine.

As important as the morning is, having a consistent and relaxing evening routine is just as key. One of my favorite parts of staying in a great hotel is turndown service. So I borrowed the idea. Before bed, I spend just a few minutes getting everything ready for tomorrow. Water by the bed, phone charging, tomorrow’s clothes ready, everything in its place. It doesn’t take long and it makes a big difference in helping feel relaxed and cozy.

Other wind-down rituals include lighting a candle, having a special cup of tea, or setting aside some screen-free time to read or work on an adult coloring book. It all depends on what works for you and helps you de-stress from the day.

3) Reconnect with your goals for the year.

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions — instead I like to make a Reflect and Reset List. Fall is a great time to check back in on your goals for the year and think about where you’ve made progress and where you want to focus your energy.

Maybe you haven’t checked everything off the list yet (after all, there are still a few months left) but I can almost guarantee you’ve achieved a lot of things you didn’t even plan for. Now is a great time to recognize those wins and see where you want to spend your energy in the last months of the year.

___

4) Say “no.”

Of course, making time for goals and what really matters means saying “no” to some things. You simply can’t do everything. Before you make commitments for the rest of the year, take some time to reflect on whether those things really align with your goals. And if they don’t, simply say “no.” No need to explain or apologize!

5) Make time for seasonal joy.

One of the best things about fall is all the opportunities to connect with seasonal rituals and treats. Make a list of your favorite seasonal traditions — whether it’s getting a pumpkin spice latte or going apple picking — and schedule them in your calendar. It’s easy to say you’ll do something next weekend and keep putting it off. So slow down and make time for those seasonal activities you love. Those things fill your cup and that directly boosts your productivity!

6) Take movement breaks.

As the weather cools off, it’s easy to start spending more time inside and moving less. It doesn’t have to be a run or a visit to the gym. A mid-day living room dance party does the trick too! Incorporating regular movement into your day can make you happier and more productive. Put it into your schedule so you can block off that time and protect your movement breaks.

7) Stay hydrated.

As the weather cools down, you may be feeling less of that summer urge to drink water and iced tea all day long. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to stay on top of hydration! It’s just as important to stay hydrated in the fall. You might want to adjust your beverage of choice — maybe it’s warm tea instead of an iced one. Even being a little bit dehydrated can majorly affect your cognitive performance and productivity!

I hope these ideas help you make the most of fall. What are your tips and tricks for seasonal productivity?

___