Mental Health Monday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
đ Fall Routines to Support Your Mental Health
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp in Munster, Indiana, many of us feel an internal shift. Fall signals transitionâout of the high energy of summer and into a slower, steadier rhythm. Itâs the perfect time to re-establish fall routines that ground us, restore balance, and support mental wellness.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we often talk with clients about how seasons affect our mood, energy, and emotional regulation. Fall routines can create a sense of safety and predictabilityâsomething we all need, especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.
Letâs explore how to create supportive fall routines that promote peace, presence, and emotional health.
đ Why Fall Routines Matter for Mental Health
Seasonal changes impact us more than we realize. The shorter days, cooler temps, and shifting schedules can throw off our internal balance. Without structure, fall can feel chaoticâor even bring on symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Fall routines help:
Regulate sleep and energy cycles
Reduce decision fatigue
Provide emotional structure and predictability
Encourage mindfulness and intentional living
Strengthen family connection
đŸ Start with a Morning Anchor
A steady morning routine sets the tone for the day. And you donât need a full âmiracle morningâ to feel groundedâjust one consistent habit that feels good.
Try this:
Wake up 10 minutes early for quiet journaling
Step outside for fresh air with your pet đ
Sip tea or coffee while setting your intention for the day
Include your therapy dog or pet in the routine for emotional grounding
Even a short moment of calm can make a big difference.
đ Check out: âManaging Emotions with Morning Routinesâ â AACI Blog
đ Build a Gentle Evening Routine
As daylight fades earlier, many people feel more tiredâor wiredâin the evenings. A simple evening routine can improve sleep and ease anxiety.
Helpful fall routine ideas:
Dim lights 1 hour before bed
Use calming scents (like lavender or cinnamon)
Write 3 things youâre grateful for
Cuddle with your dog or engage in grounding touch
Read or listen to soothing music instead of scrolling
đ§ Make Space for Emotional Check-Ins
Fall can bring up hidden stress. Whether itâs back-to-school pressure, work transitions, or grief triggered by the holidays, now is the time to tune in.
Ask yourself daily:
How am I really feeling today?
What do I need more of? Less of?
What feels out of balance?
This is a powerful habit to integrate into your fall routinesâespecially if youâre navigating big emotions.
đ Embrace Seasonal Joy (on Your Terms)
Thereâs no one ârightâ way to enjoy fall. You donât need to bake pies or visit pumpkin patches (unless you want to!). Your fall routines can be quiet, cozy, playful, or nature-basedâwhatever nourishes you.
Ideas to explore:
Leaf walks with your dog
Fall crafts or puzzles
Watching cozy movies
Starting a fall gratitude journal
Practicing a 5-minute meditation with a fall candle lit
đšâđ©âđ§âđŠ Fall Routines for Families
Families especially benefit from fall structure. Back-to-school season often throws everyone off track, but itâs never too late to reset.
Try:
A shared weekly calendar
âNo screenâ evenings for board games or walks
Sunday night planning + connection rituals
Including kids or teens in cozy meal prep
Fall bedtime routines with pet involvement (kids love this!)
đŸ The Therapy Dog Bonus
If youâve visited our office, you know how calming therapy dogs can be. They naturally support emotional regulation, especially during seasonal transitions.
Adding time with your pet to your fall routines:
Boosts oxytocin (the bonding hormone)
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces anxiety and loneliness
Creates structure through walks and care routines
Whether you have a dog or not, the comfort and connection that animals bring is central to the work we do at AACI.
đ Task for the Week
Choose one new fall routine to try this week. Keep it simple. Maybe itâs:
Lighting a fall-scented candle during dinner
Starting a bedtime gratitude habit
A 10-minute walk with your dog after work
Journaling with tea before bed
Let the season support your healingânot stress you out.
đ Need Help Grounding This Season?
If fall brings emotional ups and downs, youâre not alone. At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana, we help adults, teens, and families navigate life transitions with warmth, clarity, and the gentle presence of therapy dogs.
đLocated in Munster, Indiana
đ
Contact us today