Amid autumn’s shifting colorful foliage, take this opportunity to embrace another seasonal change as well: adopting some new wellness routines.

Here are four simple and impactful ways you could turn over a new leaf.

Schedule exams

First and foremost is staying on top of your healthcare needs. Start by scheduling a routine checkup with your family doctor if it’s been at least a year since your last visit; talk to them about any present concerns and whether you need any tests, such as a mammogram or colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, in anticipation of what the CDC calls “virus season” in fall and winter, all adults should get the proper immunizations.

Other routine appointments to make may include a dental cleaning and eye exam, which can help you identify potential issues early. Add the date of each to your calendar, and consider setting automatic reminders on your smartphone to book future ones at regular intervals (e.g., “Remind me on November 1 every year to schedule a vision test.”). That way, none of these vital preventative checks will slip your mind.

Pick up a new workout plan

A top health recommendation your doctor may give is to exercise regularly. After all, physical activity can have a greater impact on your wellness than just about any other habit. The US Department of Health and Human Services advises that every adult engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, though your doctor may offer specific guidelines for you based on your age, current health, family history, and physical limitations such as joint pain or mobility issues.

Despite knowing the importance of an exercise routine, however, many people struggle to initiate or maintain one simply because they don’t find working out particularly thrilling. But with a little trial and error, you’re bound to come across something that suits your interests. For example, swimming offers a refreshing alternative to running on a treadmill for similar cardiovascular benefits, while Zumba and boxing are engaging full-body activities you could enjoy alongside a loved one (To read more about the latter, see p. 10.) Even a brief stretching session and thirty-minute walk during your daily lunch break can significantly impact your health—some physical activity is always better than none. So put down your smartphone, strap on your sneakers, and head outdoors to get a bit of sun, breathe some fresh air, and take in the autumnal scenery.

Savor fall flavors

Seasonal treats may bring to mind pumpkin-spice lattes and maple candies, but for a healthier take on fall, enjoy peak-harvest produce such as apples, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and winter squash—including pumpkin. These fruits and vegetables are packed with helpful nutrients that can help lower cholesterol and reduce plaque buildup in your arteries, among other upsides. Add as many of these nourishments to your weekly shopping list as you can budget for, or if you’re hankering for a fun family activity, visit your local farmers market to hunt down fresh finds.

You can even take this opportunity to discover new and enticing recipes, scouring blogs or social media for culinary concoctions such as pumpkin chili and spaghetti squash pasta. Then make weeknight cooking a family occasion. You could food prep as a group or take turns giving one member the spotlight so they can whip up a novel dish. Collaborating in this way might bring you closer together while allowing everyone to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh meals at home.

Spend time with loved ones

Autumn grants plenty of occasions for bonding outside the kitchen as well—and socializing could be one of the healthiest choices you can make this season. According to the CDC, building a sense of belonging doesn’t just stave off feelings of loneliness; it can also reduce your risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Further, being around loved ones may help mitigate stress, and it may be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

To strengthen vital bonds and make valuable memories, try finding autumn activities you can enjoy with various loved ones. Check your local events calendar for options suitable for all ages, such as hayrides and pumpkin patches, to attend with immediate and extended family alike. Plan dates with your romantic partner, too, including classic outings like dinner-and-a-movie nights and seasonal ones like a picnic under the colorful foliage. And to develop closer friendships or reunite with old pals, gather for fall events ranging from Oktoberfest to haunted houses.

If you feel short on social opportunities, consider volunteering or taking an arts or exercise class. Strike up conversations, then invite people to join you at an exciting activity. Remember, you reap what you sow—if you spend time cultivating these connections, you may see a harvest of deeper relationships emerge come wintertime, when everyone could use a warm hug.