Happy & healthy with fall fun!

There's so much to look forward to this autumn! And lucky for you, your favorite activities are proven health boosters too

- Gabrielle Lichterman

Supercharge joy with natural fall scents

While on a hayride or apple picking, take a deep whiff and you'll send joy soaring! Austrian scientists found pleasant nature aromas (like hay and apple trees) activate a brain region involved in processing emotion, spurring positive feelings.

Lessen stress by looking at leaves

There's no better time to admire trees' rich red, orange and gold hues. And it turns out, each time you look up and gaze at the changing leaves, you'll quash tension in the process. University of Illinois researchers found that admiring trees for just 10 minutes significantly reduces stress. And the more trees you view, the lower your stress plunges. Scientists say you can thank nature's innate beauty, which absorbs your attention so fully that you forget about your worries. No trees nearby? Viewing nature photos works too!

OR WATCH TV! Tuning into the premiere of your favorite fall show is an easy way to melt stress. Research from the University of California found watching TV is such a fun escape, it lowers the body's output of the stress hormone cortisol, quickly reducing tension.

Sleep better by tailgating