It was dark when I woke up this morning, I’ve had to put the heating on in the office and I’ve swapped my light summer jacket for my warmer wool coat. I’ve even got a jumper on, and I’ll be swapping out my t-shirts in my wardrobe for my knitwear very soon.
I don’t mind it one bit, quite the opposite! This is my favourite season of the year and the darker month’s feel romantic, magical, and comforting to me. Our seasons remind me of the cyclical nature of life and while there is more darkness now, ultimately the light will be back again and so I plan to make the most of it with cosy jumpers, crackling fires and sofa snuggles in fact – I can’t wait.
But for many people the season triggers ‘Autumn Anxiety’ it could be the start of a new school term, regret at not meeting summer goals or even worry about the upcoming festive season. However, there can also be a simpler explanation if you start feeling the ‘doom and gloom’.
The lack of sunlight can seriously affect not only our mood, but our appetite and sleep patterns. Our hormone’s do a merry dance as our serotonin (the happy hormone) levels dip and our melatonin (the sleepy hormone) rises. So, if you are grumpy, sleepy or all the seven dwarves throughout the day – you know why.
So, what to do? Here’s some tips.
Get out, yep make the most of the sunlight you have, that might mean making time for a lunchtime walk but the more exposure you have to natural daylight the better.
Move it, you don’t need to run a marathon but moving your body to the point where you sweat and get out of breath will trigger your other happy hormones such as endorphins. My favourite? Popping on Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya!’ and dancing round the kitchen table.
Nourish, is there a better time for wholesome, warming foods? Root vegetable soup and spiced lattes? Yes please! If you are spending more time indoors anyway, why not do it in the kitchen and get cooking up some goodness.
Create, indoor activities are great at this time of year, and you can feel super productive and accomplished by making something! From scrapbooking, finally putting together than photo album, up cycling your old furniture, or even getting a head start on Christmas crafting, this season is perfect for getting your creativity flowing.
Get help, if you find your mood is still dwindling then remember you don’t need to suffer in silence. Your GP can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and low moods. Talking to a counsellor can help you work through any painful issues and experiences and holistic therapies such as Reiki can provide you with some much need relaxation and time out.
Get proactive about your self care and mental health and make the most of the season because in the blink of an eye it will change.
Lots of love,
S x