“Back to life, back to the present time, Back from a fantasy yeah.”

These lyrics from the popular song first performed by Soul II Soul (and remixed by many other artists) ring true at this time of year. Beach time, Margaritas on the dock, a little less gridlock in Toronto all end as life hits warp speed once again.

To help keep life real but balanced, we’ve come up with 10 tips to help you make it through the transition from summer to fall.

1.  Support your local farmer

There’s nothing like eating a fresh juicy peach to appreciate the hard work of Ontario farmers. Just because the summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean you can’t access locally grown healthy foods. Even if you live in the heart of the city, there are farmers markets open into the fall or even all year round. Here’s a list of some of Blog TO’s favourites.  Not sure how to best cook fall harvest vegetables such as beets, Brussel sprouts and Asian Vegetables? Eat Right Ontario provides some tips.

 

2. Warm it up

Soups can be a great fall meal for the entire family. While you’re out at the market, pick up some butternut squash and try this recipe from our very own Chef Billy Benson. Better yet, book lunch at the Terrace Restaurant and let Billy’s delectable menu warm your tummy.

3.  Work it out

Ensuring you get your daily exercise is so much easier in the summertime when you can bike at the Leslie Street Spit, walk in Edward’s Garden’s or go for a swim. But you don’t have to spend a lot to stay in shape this fall. Signing up for a dance class like Salsa, Afro Fusion and 80s Dance Fit will help keep you and your friends active while having fun. Check out the variety of classes offered at City Dance Corps. Or get a group together and try your hand at table tennis at Toronto’s new downtown club started by actress Susan Sarandon and her friends. Don’t forget Elmwood Spa has a swimming pool where you can get a few laps in before your treatments.

4.  Stretch ahead

When you resume your favourite fall sport or activity, or even spend more time at your desk and computer, your muscles may start to feel the extra strain. Rather than endure the ache, speak to your RMT about some stretches they can recommend. In the meantime here are some tips for self-care for some common computer related postures.

5.  Buy your holiday gifts now

We know you’re likely saying, “Get real, the Ex is still in full swing, how can I even think about December?” Well, the reality for many of us is that the end of the year is expensive. Remember that old adage, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” Forethought at this time of year can leave you with a little extra cash for your TFSA, RRSP or that winter Caribbean vacation. You of course can’t go wrong with an Elmwood Spa Gift Card (stay tuned for our holiday packages); and as for all those winter weddings you’re attending, Elmwood Spa Gift Cards can help keep the couple’s post-honeymoon romance going.

6.  Sleep better

It’s important to get at least 7 hours of sleep (8 hours is ideal) to function at our best — physically and mentally.  To help wind down and prepare your body for sleep, turn off the TV and computer (that includes your iPad) at least one hour before bed time and read a book or listen to some light music instead.  To make sure you get to bed on time and are consistent with what time you get up in the morning, try setting your alarm as a reminder for bed time as well as your wake-up.  It takes four weeks for your body to get used to a routine, so stick with it and fight that snooze button.  A cup of herbal tea is another great way to relax your body and help you sleep better. Chamomile, jasmine and peppermint are great choices and our most popular ElmLine Serenity tea is also a nice fruity blend packed with anti-oxidants.

7.  Benefit yourself

Some companies have extended health care plans offering coverage for a calendar year. If you haven’t used all of your massage benefits, plan to do so now. When you book a massage with one of our over 50 Registered Massage Therapists, you not only get a wonderful treatment, you can also enjoy our complimentary water therapies. Relax by our poolside lounge (where you can order that Margarita) and enjoy our whirlpool and steam room. Spend the day and eat lunch at our Terrace Restaurant in your bathrobe and relive your summer fantasy.

8.  Keep yourself regular

Yes, of course, fibre has its benefits, but that’s not the regular we’re referring to. We mean maintaining a regular self-care schedule. Once life becomes hectic, it is far too easy for you to be taking care of everyone else in your life and forgetting about you. Taking time out for yourself on a regular basis will help keep your stress levels down. By taking advantage of our “Buy 5 massages, 6^th is free” offer, you can use your health care benefits and be committed to taking good care of you. Also, we’ll be raising our prices on October 1^st so taking advantage of this offer today is another way of saving yourself money this fall.

9.  Go for a deep clean

You know how your dentist calls with your biannual reminders for your teeth cleaning? Facials are another deep, and with no offense to your dental hygienist intended, more soothing cleansing experience. Our Spa Care Experts™ recommend that at a minimum, guests have facials at the beginning of each season to keep their skin looking healthy. Fall is an especially important time of year to have a facial. This is because in the summer, our skin sweats a lot and we don’t realize how dehydrated it is underneath. In order to renew the skin, we need to start exfoliating and getting all the nutrients back into our skin to prepare for the temperature drop in the fall followed by the harsh cold weather in winter. Our Guinot Beaute Beuve Facial (50 min, $129) is a perfect facial for fall. It gives you instant radiance and a glow using vitamin C and removes all the dead cells on the skin. This facial is suitable for all skin types.

10.  Count your pennies 

There is nothing that makes us feel better than giving to others. One easy way of supporting a good cause is by donating all those pennies you have stuffed in those jars in your basement to the YWCA Toronto’s work dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Click here for details.

Wishing you all the best for a happy, productive and refreshing fall!