Seasonal changes can make for a difficult transition. A key to supporting self through seasonal transitions can be awareness and a proactive stance towards meeting ones’ needs. A sense of creativity can go a long way to supporting oneself through this time.
Know the Signs
It is important to recognize potential changes in oneself as the seasonal changes approach. Prompting questions can be helpful in identifying potentially unwanted symptoms. Here are a few ideas to address signs proactively: How is my motivation? Am I still interested in going out? Have I connected with others recently? Am I maintaining daily tasks and how does it feel to do them? Writing goals or anticipated activities on a calendar and checking back in with those to assess completion can be a helpful way to assess and monitor. If you have trusted friends and or family, being open to feedback they provide regarding changes can be a helpful source of information.
Knowing oneself and what one needs while avoiding a narrative of shame, blame or guilt can be a positive step in supporting self through seasonal changes. Recognize that you may need more support at certain points in the season, year, time in your life, than others.
Creativity
While seasonal changes can be difficult on one’s mood and even physical health, it can also be an opportunity to support oneself mentally and physically in new and different ways. A few ideas: challenge yourself to try a new seasonal recipe. Encourage yourself to ensure the recipe aligns with your nutritional goals. How could you incorporate connection into this task? Invite friends over to share in this meal or plan a family meal around this new recipe. Invite ways to engage in the outdoors. This can be difficult during seasonal changes, especially as the weather gets cooler. Plan to engage with the outdoors specifically to see the changing color of the leaves or incorporate seasonal flowers/ produce into your home or outdoor living areas (mums, pumpkins, gourds). Invite a specific seasonal color into your home and utilize it as a grounding method when and if needed. This may look like adding a specific color flower in the home for the autumn months, incorporate a specific color comfort or décor item in the home such as a throw pillow. Seasonal scents could be utilized during this time to provide comfort in spaces of your home or workspace.
Supporting oneself with a sense of awareness, acceptance of needs and creativity in navigating the seasonal changes maybe a proactive (and fun) way to transition this Fall!
