From Glamour to Buzzfeed, Women’s Health to social media and your local news shows –  the term “self-care” is everywhere these days. But what is self-care, and how do you incorporate it into your routine? We all try to take care of ourselves, but how do we do it?

Put simply, self-care is any activity we engage in deliberately to nourish our physical, mental or emotional health. It sounds straightforward, but it’s something that can often be neglected when we become wrapped up in things like work, family or chores. Proper self-care can not only improve your mood and reduce anxiety, but it can help prevent burnout.

It’s hard to take care of others when your own needs aren’t being fully met. Now that fall is upon us, what better time to refresh your routine and your outlook on life? Here are our favorite self-care activities for fall.

Exercise is fundamental to our physical and mental health. As with all self-care, balance is key. Try finding an exercise that you enjoy doing, whether it be swimming, running, lifting weights, yoga, or taking classes. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do. You’re much more likely to stick to a routine if it’s something you enjoy doing. Exercise should be something you get to do, not something you have to do. In the fall, we try to take our exercise outside when permitting. There’s nothing like breathing in crisp fall air to clear your head and refresh the spirit.

We fully believe that your home should be your sanctuary. One of the most important components of a comforting environment is scent, one of our most powerful senses. There is something magical about smelling a certain scent and being instantly transported back to a certain time or place. Envelope your home in the soft comforting scent of the holidays with Source Vitál Apothecary’s Seasons Essential Oil Blend. Formulated with spruce, nutmeg and cinnamon, this blend will wrap you in the comforting nostalgia of holidays seasons past – without any potentially irritating synthetic fragrance!

Every self-care routine should incorporate wholesome, fresh foods. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in yummy fall treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie every now and again, but ask yourself, “is this kind to my body? Am I nourishing myself?” Indulging in that slice of pie may very well be the kindness and nourishment your body and mind needs at that particular time – like we said, it’s all about balance!

With that in mind, fall is a great time to take advantage of all the superfoods that are in-season. Stop by your local farmer’s market to pick up fresh Brussel sprouts, apples, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, pumpkin, cauliflower or squash. There’s no time like the present to start incorporating these delicious, nourishing superfoods into your diet.

Who said baths are just for kids? Taking a warm, decadent bath is a simple way to give ourselves that extra care we so need after a long day. Feeling sore, or just stressed? Throw in some relaxing bath salts or bath oil (or both) to elevate your bathing experience . Source Vitál Apothecary’s Serene Bath & Body Oil is brilliant for unwinding after a taxing day, while their Analgesic Bath Salts help to soothe sore and achy muscles. Play around to find what combination suits you.

Dry-brushing is another practice that can take your bath time to the next level. While your bath water is running, use a soft, natural-bristle brush to brush your dry skin. Begin at the feet and hands, brushing toward the heart. Not only does dry brushing feel good and exfoliate your skin, but it helps support the lymphatic system by stimulating lymph flow. Proper lymph flow is crucial to the body’s natural detoxification process.

Another great bathing option is to take a dip in one of the infusion tubs at Sanctuary Spa. Hydrotherapy, like the services we offer at Sanctuary Spa, is the application of water for the treatment and maintenance of health. Soak in our tubs for 25 minutes to treat a variety of conditions or to improve your overall well-being. This option makes self-care accessible, even when your schedule is tight. Just lay back and let the healing waters work their magic.

Taking the time to slow down and really take care of ourselves is key to our overall health and wellbeing. Self-care isn’t something that just happens, it’s something you must make a conscious effort to do. If that means blocking off time on your personal calendar, go for it! You’ll find what works best for you and leaves you feeling the most refueled. As with everything, practice makes perfect.