Self Cultivation

The annual start of the fall months are upon us. Generating the start of seasonal change. For many of us fall is a season of reset. As the leaves excuse themselves in from their former homes, we enjoy the crunch of the remains beneath our feet and look forward to engaging in all things pumpkin spice and sweater (or hoodie, if you prefer) weather. Many people look forward to oversized scarves and various other fashion exclusives that fall affords us. Many also flourish in the fall when the pressure to have the perfect summer bodies start to diminish. Fall is a chance to slow down and mull over the previous spring and summer activities and an opportunity to look forward to setting goals for a new year. Fall is full of cozy nooks and crannies, settled routines of school days, and weekends that are less crowded with summer’s buzz.

Falling Temps

The cooler weather is much sought after when we have had enough of the sweltering heat and humidity of summer. It’s the happy medium between the complaints of 90 degree days and 20 degree nights that give way to frosty mornings in the winter. The ability to spend more time in nature, cool and enjoyable hikes and afternoons in the park present themselves as pleasant, and generate nostalgic feelings.

Let’s get cozy!

Fall sets the height of Hygge season (pronounced hyoo·guh), the Danish lifestyle that favors coziness and comfort as well as contentment, softness and peace. Many of the pleasure that are loved during the fall season such as cozy blankets, scented candles, family gatherings and comfort foods are all a part of Hygge traditions.

Despite its beauty, fall isn’t for everyone.

For some of us, fall presents with a lowered sense of mental stability. The so called ‘winter blues’ start to make their way in as soon as the summer shuts itself off. Many studies attribute this to lower levels of vitamin D. It can also be just a simple preference of some, to be outside and engaging in social activities in warmer weather after battling through winter. Whatever the reason, here are a few tips to help keep your mood on a steady incline and possibly help assist in adjusting to the cooler temperatures:

1. Utilize natural light to its full potential. Open blinds and windows, which also lets in an abundance of fresh, crispy air.
2. Create cozy self care routines such as baking or engaging in a new hobby that can be easily done inside such as knitting or sewing.
3. Cozy up under a blanket with a book or favorite TV show. Binge watching is totally permissible during cozy weather season!
4. Engage in fun fall activities such as apple picking or fall festivals with hayrides, corn mazes or a visit to a pumpkin patch.
5. Focus on setting new goals to be worked on during the fall season that will benefit the summer season such as creating an at home workout routine before bed.
6. Host an end of summer gathering with family and friends.
7. Try some delicious new recipes! Tastemade has a monthly subscription that gives access to over 12,000 recipes for a small fee of $5.99 per month.
8. Weekends can be made more enjoyable with a scenic fall foliage drive!
9. Create a fall bucket list.
10. Fine tune intimate projects such as revamping an old blog, creating new podcast recordings, or restructuring your social media accounts.

When in doubt about your ability to maintain a sensible level of mental health it never hurts to seek out therapy. In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a free, anonymous online peer-to-peer community (adaa.org) for people suffering from mental health disorders. To find support, share stories and connect with others who have similar experiences, which may help in colder months when going outside can be a bit of a hassle. Or, if preferred, meet in person utilizing the state-by-state list of support groups on the AADA’s website (adaa.org/supportgroups) you may walk away with new friends!