Autumn can be a stressful time for many people. Maybe you’re going back to school, maybe you’re overwhelmed with the upcoming holiday season, or maybe you’re just sad that summer is over. Whatever the reason, it’s understandable that you may be looking for ways to live your best, stress-free, life this fall.
1. Make The Most Of Shorter Days
As the seasons change from summer to fall, the one thing that can have the biggest negative effect on people is the sudden lack of daylight. It’s dark when you wake up, and dark again by the time your work or school day is over. While there may not be much you can do to change this, you can certainly try to make the most of the daytime hours you’ve got. And the fall season certainly gives you plenty of great reasons to get outside. Whether it’s looking for the best view of fall foliage, going to pick apples, or even raking leaves; there’s always plenty of reasons to be outside in the crisp autumn air.
2. Cozy Up Your Home
Shorter days mean longer nights, and if you’re going to be spending more time inside, you’re going to need to be as comfortable as possible. When it comes to fall comfort there are 3 items of which you can never enough:
a) Blankets
It doesn’t matter how warm your home is, or how many sweaters you’re wearing, there’s something about being under a blanket that just feels cozy.
b) Candles
A flickering flame will instantly increase relaxation levels. The more candles you have, the more soothing the ambiance. Pick out some of your favorite scents to make your autumn that much more comforting.
c) Warm drinks
Here’s a question for you: you’re sitting on the couch, under a blanket with a candle burning on the coffee table; what are you holding in your hand? If you said “nothing” then it’s no wonder you’re having trouble relaxing. A nice warm cup of tea, cocoa, or decaf coffee is the perfect way to top off a relaxing night.
3. Plan Ahead
There are many yearly fall tasks that can be taken care of early on. Things like picking a Halloween costume, planning a Thanksgiving dish, and holiday shopping are all things that can be incredibly stressful when left until the last minute. The secret is to start tackling these tasks and making these decisions as soon as you feel fall coming around the corner. Using new scheduling apps like Trello can really help you get a handle on all the items on your fall to-do list. Get them out of the way early, or check them off little by little throughout the season. Either way, you’ll be setting yourself up for a much more peaceful season.
4. Give Your Mind A Rest
Taking time out to improve your mental health is important year-round, and the transition from summer to fall can sometimes cause issues with seasonal depression and anxiety. If you’re someone who struggles with these issues, it may be a good idea to seek guidance from a mental health professional to help you ease into the season. If this isn’t an option for you, then bear in mind there are many mental health apps out there that you can use to keep you focused and relaxed as you move into autumn.
About the Author
Capri F. is a health advocate who is passionate about educating others on public wellness and safety. She focuses her research on mental health. She enjoys spending time outdoors, dancing, and practicing yoga.
