It’s officially autumn, and as the days get steadily darker and the temperature drops, we can find ourselves wishing away the time until the sun returns. The changing of the seasons and the weather this brings can have a huge impact on our mental health. Waking up to a bright, crisp and sunny day can fill us with positivity and optimism. A wet, grey, miserable day can leave us feeling downcast and unmotivated. Autumn in the UK can be any combination of such typical autumnal weather, which can result in fluctuating or unstable moods – something that in itself can bring us down.
And there are some for whom the annual move to longer nights and shorter days isn’t a welcome one. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects approx. 3-6% of the population, can have a profound impact on daily life. It typically feels like depression: lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and weight, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. But the key difference is that it’s seasonal – symptoms disappear in the warmer sunnier months but can be debilitating when autumn approaches.
But whether you love autumn or dread it (and let’s face it, even the biggest fans of autumn can feel like it’s beginning to drag by the time winter arrives), it doesn’t have to be a punishment. We can all benefit from learning to embrace the new season, rather than endure it. A really worthwhile way of doing this is to engage in a bit of mindfulness, to help us appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of autumn, and enjoy the moment. Mindfulness can help reduce stress by focusing on the here and now, calming distracting thoughts and encouraging feelings of gratitude. You can find out more on our previous blog on mindfulness and meditation.
Some ways to do this specifically with autumn in mind include:
Take a walk
Head out into nature and pay close attention to your senses – hear the crunch of leaves, smell the scent of woodsmoke, observe the changing colours of the leaves. This can help you be fully present in the moment, and truly appreciate the beauty of nature. It can slow your breathing, calm your mind and help you feel restored to a point where you can connect with yourself and the world around you
Get cosy
One of the best bits about autumn is the chance to be snug and cosy indoors while the world outside disappears into darkness. There’s something so comforting about warm socks, a cup of tea by the fire, or a steaming bowl of homemade soup – letting yourself feel safe and cosy can relax and soothe you, sparking nostalgia, gratitude and contentment
Blow away the cobwebs
If staying inside gives you cabin fever, then instead make the most of the colder, wilder weather to feel invigorated and alive. Going for a walk in inclement weather (taking precautions to be safe, of course!) can give you the chance to understand your place in nature, helping you put everything into perspective
Mindful eating
Take advantage of being indoors at the same time as appreciating the abundance of autumn by using seasonal produce to make nourishing meals. By focusing on the process of cooking and savouring the textures and flavours, you can enhance your enjoyment of the food, and feel more connected to what you’re eating and how it supports your health – indulging in this kind of self-care increases confidence and self-worth
Celebrate
Autumn is full of traditions (like Halloween and bonfire night) which provide the opportunity to connect with loved ones. Spending time together and enjoying the familiar festive rituals strengthens our sense of belonging and cultural connection, as well as making memories to be grateful for.
Get Prepared
It’s a great time of year to take stock and get organised. Have a good house clean to feel productive and ready for spending more time indoors. Have a clear out and start planning for Christmas. If you garden, plant some bulbs that will be the first signs of spring in a few months’ time. Taking this time to be proactive can give you a strong sense of satisfaction and purpose, helping you stay motivated and active.
Instead of dwelling on the loss of summer and letting the grey weather colour our mood, we can use mindfulness techniques to cultivate a deeper connection to nature that help calm us, make us more self-aware and actually boost our wellbeing.
Photo by alex geerts on Unsplash
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