Self Care During the Fall Season
Autumn tends to be a busy time and mixed with the shorter days and colder weather it can impact our well-being. Transitioning into a new season can be exciting yet it can also lead us to feel uneasy and overwhelmed. We might not even realize that our self-care can be the first to go when change happens. With the holiday season approaching, it can be a good time to reflect and prioritize practicing strategies to support yourself during this time.
Support System
The change in weather and amount of sunshine can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness or loneliness. If you find yourself feeling this way, reach out to friends and family and schedule times to communicate or hang out with them. You can also explore additional resources like joining a support group or finding a suitable therapist. In addition, you can engage in hobbies or activities that connect you with other people. During these times, it can feel natural to isolate ourselves and this is why it is important to identify and recognize our supports.
Establish a Routine
Transitioning from more relaxed summer months to fall can be challenging since it can bring schedule changes. We tend to cling onto stability when we feel like we are being pulled into different directions, which is where our routines come in. It can be helpful to start with small goals each day and increase them over time. Instead of focusing on how the routine should look, try celebrating the small changes you are making. If you are a visual person, having a weekly or monthly planner/calendar can be helpful with planning busy days ahead. It can also be beneficial to form a ranking system of tasks for yourself to prioritize where you want to put in time and energy each day. Once you have engaged in a consistent routine, reward yourself with something that brings you joy. For example, if your goal was to go to bed earlier for the week you can reward yourself with a new book or an essential oil.
Mindful Moving and Eating
When we eat nutritious foods and practice movement it positively affects our mind-body connection. The foliage makes it the perfect time to get outside for walks, hikes and computer breaks. If you are working on a new routine, it could be a natural time to try a new exercise class or gym. Also, you can try incorporating seasonal produce in meals since they tend to be more nutrient-dense than out of season fruits and vegetables. In addition, it can be helpful to reflect and check in on how you feel after certain activities or foods to support what is best for you and your body.
Practice Gratitude
This can feel challenging when we are in a negative space or experiencing change. We can be unaware of the negative thought patterns we are engaging in and how much they impact our feelings and behaviors. A good place to start is to identify what is in and out of your control and where you are placing your energy and time. Although small moments can seem insignificant, they make up our days and should be recognized and celebrated. Can you focus on accomplishments you did today rather than focusing on what you did not complete?
Please note: This blog post is intended for educational purposes and is meant to complement mental health services. It is not a substitute for therapy.