As fall finally moves in – yes, I don’t like the summer anymore, I’ll explain later in another post – however, as we watch the leaves turn, it’s a perfect time to prepare for the cooler months. Taking on these tasks with intention can help us build habits of discipline, foresight, and patience (which we all need more of).
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts
- Clearing out debris from your gutters akin to clearing your mental clutter as well. Just as gutters need a free path to drain water effectively, our minds benefit from decluttering for improved focus. After your gutters are cleared, set aside some time to list any personal “clutter” (unfinished tasks or lingering thoughts) and make a plan to attack them.
- Seal gaps to prevent drafs
- Examine windows and doors for gaps that could let in drafts. I have found that the older I get the more cold I am. It could be seventy degrees and I’m over here freezing. Locating where the air is coming into your house can help keep you comfortable or at least not freezing. You can help eliminate the drafts by applying weather stripping or caulk to improve your home’s energy efficiency as well. Drafts are small mental distractions, if we ignore them, they can drain our energy and keep us freezing. Don’t make a habit of ignoring them take this opportunity to identify any negitive habits or routines that my be drafty or inefficient. A small positive change in our life can positively influence our mental health.
- Check your roof for damage
- Checking for loose or missing shingles (these can lead to leaks or damage from ice and snow) and get them repaired, this can prevent costly issues down the line. Inspecting our roof can teach us the value of addressing small issues before they become bigger problems. I once let my roof leak because I didn’t have the money to fix it, however, after a while I decided to call my insurance and they took care of it. I got a new roof and I learned that I can’t let something hold me back. What could be holding you back? Make small changes now to build resilience for future challenges.
- Trim trees and bushes
- Cut back (trim) any branches that are hanging over your roof or driveway to reduce the risk of damage from falling branches during storms. Trimming branches is like managing expections. Our overgrown trees and bushes can block sunlight, like holding on to outdated goals blocks growth. Reflect on your current commitments and trim, trim, trim, to make room for personal growth and renewed focus.
- Prepare outdoor furniture and hoses
- Clean and store patio furniture, drain your water hoses and put them up to prevent them from cracking. Leaving them connecting to outdoor faucets can cause freezing and busted pipes. We need to take the time to winterize our mental space as we move into a season that brings higher energy demands, by clearing our mind of any unnecessary stressors or unresolved concerns. We can do that by writing down our nagging worries, this way we can go into fall feeling refreshed.
- Service the heating system
- You always want to be ready for heat when you need it. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnance or heating system to ensure it’s in good condition. Don’t wait until it breaks in the middle of a cold night and you can’t getting anyone on the phone to have it check. Check in on yourself to, reflect on how well you’re equipped to face challenges in your own life. Set aside some time for reading, exercising (if you’re in to that), maybe even enjoy your favorite hobby (mine is actually reading a book). I want to add again that I don’t like to be cold, not today!
- Stock up on cold weather essentials
- You can prepare your house for the colder months emergencies by stocking up on salt, shovels, and batteries, some warm blankets and candles (and a propane heater too, like me). Preparing for this builds resilience and adaptability, a way to strengthen or inner reserves. Keeping ourselves prepared for potential setbacks will keep us in a mindful attitude.
Following these seven tips witha mindful attitude can help us build practical skills and help us grow. Each task is a small investment in a more comfortable home and a better-equipped mindset for the seasons ahead. Just as these efforts prevent issues in your house, investing time in yourself can prevent challenges from becoming overwhelming.
Happy fall, and enjoy your preparations!
