Fall is almost here and for many of us, it’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes and pure joy. But it also can be a bit challenging for mental health as weather changes. We spend more time inside, kids go back to school, holiday preparations, etc. Change is hard, and seasonal change can be hard as well. Here are 5 self-care ideas that can help you this fall as you are transitioning into colder weather and holidays.
Spend as much time outside as you can
Depending on where you live, the amount of time you spend outside varies. Maybe it’s still hot summer where you are, or maybe it has been raining non-stop. No matter what, I want to encourage you to get outside (preferably in nature) and get in some fresh air and movement. You will see how your mental health declines if you are mostly staying in, hiding from the rain. It’s especially important to see daylight, so if you can, walk in the morning.
Therapist’s tip: be proactive to avoid seasonal depression. Try to implement self-care techniques before you start feeling worse.
Cozy up your home for self-care this fall
I am a homebody. A cozy home is especially important to me. But if you are the one who spent a lot of time outside during summer, it may be more challenging for you to start spending more time at home. Try to make it more enjoyable for yourself. Fill your home with nice scents if you tolerate it, light up some candles, and create “good cozy vibes” that are so popular on social media.:)
If you are someone whose mental health suffers during seasonal change, know, that you are not alone. Many people struggle with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Creating space for yourself that helps you feel warm and secure, can help.
Therapist’s tip: if you don’t care about home decor and all things cozy, feel free to skip this tip. Take what you need to feel good this fall. It’s not about following trends and doing what everyone else is doing, but about finding what works best for you.
Start therapy
It seems like fall is a popular season on social media, however, as I have already mentioned many individuals struggle with their mood change as the weather starts to change and days become shorter. Many people suffer in silence, trying to survive the season. Well, if that’s you, try therapy this fall. While seasonal depression is temporary, there are some techniques that can help you cope with it better. People who suffer from SAD dread autumn, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Therapist’s tip: realize that this season is not going to last forever and it is a natural part of existence. Mindfulness and acceptance are my personal favorite when it comes down to any change in life. If you don’t feel energized and motivated, perhaps it’s a sign to slow down and there is not always something wrong with it.
Simplify your life, slow down for self-care this fall
In summer we are ready to go, there are many things we want to accomplish, and perhaps there are health goals we want to achieve. It just seems to be a busier season. I realize that for most Americans every season is busy, but hey, when seasons change it’s more important than ever to slow down and rest. And I am not talking about sleeping all day, although sleep, of course, is very important. I am talking about taking things off your plate, shortening that to-do list, and saving/freeing some space for things that really matter to you.
Therapist’s tip: simplifying your life is making a conscious decision to say no to things that don’t matter as much as other things. It’s about prioritizing and letting go of something that no longer serves you. Imagine a tree, that sheds leaves in fall. We take it as an absolutely normal process, while not allowing ourselves to do the same. We can’t allow anything new if we keep holding on to the old.
Rest more and take care of your physical health
It does go with the previous tip but I won’t be me without reminding you that your physical health impacts your mental health. Have you ever noticed that when you don’t feel well physically, your emotional state suffers and vice versa? Because a lot is changing in our bodies while transitioning to colder months, we want to provide it with the best resources to make that transition go as smoothly as possible.
Therapist’s tip: to take care of your mental health you always want to make sure that your basic needs are met. Consume lots of fiber-rich foods, as well as Omega-3 foods. Stay hydrated. You may modify your physical activity if you are feeling more tired, but don’t stop it all together, keep your body moving. Be mindful of your stress levels.
So, here are my 5 self-care tips for staying mentally well this fall. Let me know your thoughts and share with us your tips. What are your favorite forms of self-care?
~ Tren
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