Brrr! Autumn is officially here and you can feel the nippy air everywhere. This is the season that ushers in cooler air, less daylight, and shorter days. As it is, the changes might leave you feeling bluer now that the pandemic rages on.
Yes, autumn blues do exist. That said, now is a great time to keep a tab on your mental and physical wellbeing. You can be proactive to keep the seasonal blues at bay. Instead, you can reframe the way you think and opt for activities that will make you fantastic.
The seasonal changes can be a great way to recalibrate your routine, alter your perspective, and pursue openness when it comes to wellness and behavior.
Tackling seasonal change
The body and mind can adapt to changes. You will be surprised by how you can have a refreshed outlook in life if you work on it.
Let’s start with mental wellness in this season. Even before autumn came, anxiety and stress have become part of life due to the pandemic. Now that summer is over and colder days are here, there might be a chance that your mental health might go awry. Here are some tips on how to keep your zen despite the changes:
- Strategize your coping plan -- If you think that pandemic winter is bleak and sad thoughts are coming, you can plan to stay warm and fuzzy inside. In need of human interaction in real life? Do not despair. There are creative ways to stay connected with loved ones. An example of this is to schedule Zoom parties or distanced walks with friends.
- Remember routines that helped you through -- Reminisce and think about the things that you saw you through the past few months. When the pandemic came last March, you had no idea what to expect. But if you survived. Now think back of the times when you were afraid or helpless and how you were able to cope with those situations. What things keep you normal? Establishing a new routine? Celebrating small wins in your home? Rekindled your love for a long lost hobby? Hold onto those best practices whenever you feel anxious.
- Enjoy the present moment -- Looking forward to so many things are great, but do not forget to enjoy where you are right now. It might take some time to do mental adjustments but it would help you to stay grounded and be in the moment 100 percent. Otherwise, you might miss out on the wonderful things that are happening around you.
- Share your concerns with friends and loved ones -- Meaningful conversations have a way of creating greater happiness, Medical News Today reported. You can talk about your feelings with friends and family members. It is hard to be authentic, but maybe this process will help you to know yourself better and to find out that you are not alone as you feel.
- Reach out and seek professional help -- Are you having trouble sleeping or eating because of your emotions? You might want to talk to a mental health professional about your situation. A therapist will help you to process your feelings and come up with concrete emotion management strategies.
Other tips
Maybe major emotions are starting to well up but remember to be kind to yourself. Show yourself some care and compassion during this difficult time. It might help to do some practical self-love activities that can help you relax:
- Do your workout outside -- A sweat session boosts the creation of endorphins or the happy hormones. Plus, staying near nature can have a healing effect on your body and mind. Just remember to wear a mask and do social distancing. You can try to explore other trails if you do not want to go to a crowded place.
- Eat fall produce -- Make some time to go shopping for some fall produce like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and apples! Cooking at home with fruits and vegetables is not just healthy but is also cost-efficient. Try a new bread or sweet snack recipe time for some trick or treat?
- Sleep more -- Now that days are shorter, it is time to get more quality sleep. Consider trying herbs or tea before you sleep so you can doze off easily and wake up more refreshed.
- Don't forget to moisturize -- If you update your clothes for fall, you should also consider changing the beauty products that you use for autumn! You might want to add more creams and lotions to your beauty arsenal since the cooler temperatures can make your skin dry.
- Stay hydrated! - Do not forget to drink water and keep yourself hydrated at all times! Cold weather can make you feel less thirsty so you might not be meeting your daily water requirement, said this Elite Daily article.
Keeping the blues away
Seasonal changes are here to stay, whether we like them or not. It is up to us to stay how we can stay afloat in the transitions. While we may not always be happy all the time, remember that not being okay is okay, but we can at least try to make things work for us down the line.
