With the weather getting chillier and the days getting shorter, the long summer days are feeling more and more behind us. Fall is a beautiful season with its foliage, mild weather, and the positive feelings in the air as the holiday season is just around the corner.
The fall season can be an important time in looking at one’s self-care habits. In the winter time, many people find themselves feeling down, low energy, withdrawn socially and just not themselves. For some, their symptoms can meet the criteria for depression; for many others, they may not technically have depression but they certainly are not running at the usual capacity in terms of productivity and actualization. Once you find yourself in one of those ruts, it can be very difficult to pull yourself out, and unfortunately, many people don’t emerge from the rut until the weather starts to get warm again.
When it comes to physical and mental health, being preventative can be much easier than being reactionary, and establishing routine can be key. For many people, their diet and lifestyle habits play a significant role in the way they feel, and it’s important to head into the winter with a plan about how to maintain the rituals you find helpful. If you don’t already have helpful self-care rituals, perhaps it’s time to develop some so that you can feel more centered in your body and mind, even when the weather is dark and gloomy. Consider meeting with a nutritionist, joining a gym, taking up yoga, speaking to a therapist or coach — whatever you (and you know your history best!) think may help your functioning. Don’t wait until you’re down!