I know I've been griping a lot about summer coming to an end, but while I am sad to see my neighborhood pool close, I actually love the fall.

iVillage contributer Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom suggests forming a new seasonal plan as one way to re-energize during the transition into fall. Here are some of her personal favorite ideas:

• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables: Pay a visit to a local farm stand, or seek out farm-stand foods in your local grocery store. Enjoy the last of the "summer fruits" - peaches, plums, nectarines, and welcome the arrival of many varieties of apples and pears.
• Keep up your "activity of daily living": If you enjoy gardening, plant some mums in fall colors. Keep up with your after-dinner walk, even if it's shorter. It's important family time. Go right after dinner and clean up when you return.
• Stay active with your kids: Go to the playground, and play with your kids. If they are older, and you are no longer part of the "play group," walk the track or neighborhood while they're at a school practice.
• Build in 30 minutes of "personal time": With the increasing tasks that come with the fall, make sure you include a daily time, for whatever you want to do. Whether it's a power nap, a talk on the phone, a walk in the park, a cup of tea and a magazine, or your favorite TV show, it's important to make sure you make this time for yourself. It's not an indulgence, it's a must-do to manage stress.

So enjoy the transition and take it as a time to re-evaluate your lifestyle and make sure that you're still on track for optimal health.

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