The arrival of Fall signals the shifting of color in the leaves, and the air begins to get a crisp edge to it. Fall often heralds new beginnings as the holiday season begins and can bring feelings of excitement. However, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and depression with it as well. It’s important that we remain firmly grounded during this time and seek comfort in familiar rituals and favored activities.
How Changing Seasons Can Impact Your Mental Health
Changes in different areas of your life can have a direct impact on your mental health. This includes your daily activities, your environment, relationships, exercise, and even the food you eat. For many people, the Fall marks the return to school, adding even more upheaval to an already busy schedule. It can be difficult to properly take care of ourselves in these circumstances. Doing so requires being dedicated to maintaining balance in your life and tending to your mental health. Below are four tips to make this easier:
- Take Care of Your Space – Having a desk overflowing with papers, notes, and folders can be overwhelming and make it difficult to focus. Knowing that your kitchen is overflowing with dishes can be more than distracting. It can drive us to avoid that area and opt for expensive and unhealthy quick food options. Taking time to take care of your space provides an opportunity to create a comfortable space.
- Celebrate The Season – Every season has its own virtues, and Fall is no exception. There are abundant orchards and pumpkin patches to visit, changing leaves to enjoy, and fresh, crisp air. Our body responds to fresh air by releasing serotonin, which promotes a general sense of well-being. Schedule some time outside to enjoy what the world has to offer.
- Get Creative In The Kitchen – Try baking up some seasonal favorites to uplift your spirits. This can help promote a feeling of warmth and comfort, as well as give you some variety from your usual routine. Seasonal offerings also provide important nutrients and minerals that can promote overall health, as well as mental health.
- Enhance Your Space With Seasonal Scents – Jasmine, lavender, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are just a small selection of seasonal favorites. While change can bring anxiety, it can also bring a feeling of renewal that can be refreshing. Take some time to make stress-free changes like these to your home to make you feel more comfortable.
These four examples can go a long way to making your seasonal experience better overall. While they may seem simple and cosmetic, they can also be quite effective. Lifting your mood and improving your space doesn’t have to be expensive.
Speak To Your Mental Health Provider For More Tips
Your mental health provider has experience working with people who struggle with seasonal change. Speaking to them draws on a rich history of experience and knowledge that can provide important insight. Arrange to speak with your mental health provider if you’re having a hard time with what the changing seasons bring. It can be your first step to a happy holiday.
