What to Do This Fall
Fall, the best time to ________.
As Daniel Pink points out in his book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, we often say “timing is everything,” letting that idiom do the ‘splaining without questioning the science behind timing itself. It turns out there is, in fact, some rhyme and reason; timing can be studied so we can better sync our ambitions with our days. Let’s take his concept one step further, and align our intent with all the timely, seasonal sure-things we can find. We’ve rounded up the very best outlets to keep pace with your autumnal energy.
...root root root for the home team.
There’s a reason October is ranked the year’s very best month for sports. Consider this: In the span of 31 days you have baseball playoffs and the World Series, the start of the NBA and NHL seasons, and both the NFL and college football in full swing (as is “real” football, AKA soccer). Not a fan? Come for the stories. Give some of these top ranked 30 for 30 documentaries a try, or get an a.m. coaching from ESPN’s excellent Daily podcast.
...check some boxes.
Here October also wins the day. Actual studies say the month (followed by September and November) is the perfect time to seize that surge of energy and tidy up your inbox, since it falls (so to speak) between the summer refresh and the holiday rush. We’ve said it before: chronobiology is also a real thing, so if you plan to prioritize a clean inbox, tackle it on a Monday in October at 11 a.m.
...shop for summer.
Yes, really. As you pack your summer clothing away, note any sartorial imperfections like that hole from your hydrangea run-in or a sandal that’s seen better days. Then search and replace them now, when you’re likely to find them on sale, so you’re set up for summer success in ‘22.
...clear out the weeds.
Sure, you’ll be raking leaves soon enough, but a couple of smart moves now will plant the seeds for a bountiful spring. First, empty and bring in any ceramic pots you may have—they will crack under pressure come first frost. And do a final weeding for good measure. It may seem a skippable step, but didyouknow: Some of the more common weeds don’t develop seeds until late summer/early fall. Finally, the good stuff: Plant something. Garlic is best placed subterranean in October and November, when it’s cold enough to thrive but the ground is not yet frozen. And get your spring bulbs in now; lilies, hyacinth and daffodils are ready for their dirt debut in September and October, while tulips can wait for November.
...can some sh*t.
Few things seal one’s adulting sense of competence more than canning some harvest or another, putting a lid on it and then presenting that tidy product to a friend over the holidays. If you’ve never tried it, this excellent tutorial is a good place to start. It is a precise process, but not a hard one (if you ask us, those are the best kind). Through the years, this blog has provided some of the most reliable recipes for team Verse, with handy pictures at various stages offering a reassuring cheering squad. Grab a crafty (or not) plus-one, and make a thing of it.
