As we bid adieu to long sunny days and flip-flops, it’s natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions during the seasonal shift from summer to fall. Whether you’re feeling bittersweet about the change or eagerly anticipating cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything, it’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being. The fall can also bring a lot of scheduling changes for a busy family. Here are a few strategies to help you maintain balance and navigate the transition smoothly:
Take a moment to ground yourself in the present. Engage in mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help calm your mind and center your thoughts amidst the changing seasons. Meditation doesn’t have to be what you usually see in television shows and movies that require an empty room and an hours-worth of quiet. Meditation can be as simple as any place you can commit to being fully present. This can take the form of a sitting meditation, a walking meditation, or during your morning wakeup. If you’re focusing on your mindfulness during your wakeup routine, start with arranging your body in a comfortable position after turning off your alarm; then scanning your body for how it feels while committing to a regular breathing routine. There are many ways to practice mindfulness so explore a few to see what works best for you!
Physical activity is a fantastic way to boost your mood and energy levels. The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones, and endorphins, change when you exercise. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the crisp fall air or a yoga session in the comfort of your living room, find ways to stay active and keep those endorphins flowing. It can also play a part in increasing your energy levels and improving your sleep.
Any physical activity can be beneficial to your body, but I prefer the simple exercise of rebounding. Rebounding is a low-impact aerobic exercise that involves jumping on a mini-trampoline. It’s excellent for stimulating the lymphatic system and moving water around. Additionally, rebounding is good for helping the cardiovascular system. For me, rebounding allows me to get my heart rate up without the same movements as running or jogging.
Instead of resisting the transition, try embracing the beauty of the season. Take a nature walk to admire the changing colors of the leaves, savor a warm cup of tea, or indulge in some fall-themed activities that bring you joy. If you find yourself ready to take on the day consider inviting a family member or friend to join you. Making memories with others and connecting with your community can be very fulfilling as the seasons change to a cooler more quiet time.
Hinted on in the previous tip, don’t underestimate the power of social support! Reach out to friends and loved ones to share your feelings and experiences. Connecting with others can provide comfort and a sense of belonging during times of change. Here are just a few ideas for activities that you could do with your loved ones.
When times get busy it can be easy to let self-care slip off the schedule. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s carving out time for your favorite hobby, pampering yourself with a bubble bath, or getting a good night’s sleep, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining emotional balance. Self-care can look different to everyone. For some, it may be ordering food instead of making dinner. For others, it may be spending 30 minutes a day outside. Please remember that all forms of self-care are valid!
Remember, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions as we exist through seasonal changes. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can better navigate the changes with grace and find moments of joy and peace amidst the whirlwind.
If you find yourself struggling to cope with the seasonal transition or experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek support from a counselor or consider hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy and hypnocoaching can support emotional balance and be used as a tool for keeping your goals on track. With the guidance of a qualified hypnotherapist like HypnoKelly, you can unlock the power of your mind to aid in coping with seasonal changes.