October is over and the days have grown noticeably shorter, and I find myself feeling a familiar dread. The sun, which has streamed so effortlessly into my apartment for months, is sinking lower and lower in the sky. With that comes the inevitable reality: the cold, long, dark winter months are closing in.
Being a summer girl at heart, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of hunkering down for winter. But instead of giving in to the dread, I’m reminding myself that these quieter months offer an opportunity to slow down and recharge.
The autumn blues
As the temperature dips and daylight retreats, while the golden hues of October fade into November's dull greys, and with them, often, our zest for life. As the seasons change so does our mood, I know I’m not alone in this. In fact, its quite normal.
The ‘autumn blues’ is that subtle but unmistakable feeling of heaviness that sneaks in, making even simple tasks seem harder than they should. It’s like wrapping ourselves in that oversized sweater a little earlier than expected, only to feel trapped rather than comforted.
Embracing the Change of Season
But what if we saw this change of seasons differently? Instead of viewing the shorter days as something to dread, we could use them as an invitation to rest, reflect, and recharge. This season’s slower pace can be just as nourishing as summer’s energy - if we let it be.
Autumn is a time to recognise that, just like the seasons, we change too. By embracing this change, we can find moments of beauty and growth, even in the darker days.
Here are a few ways to embrace self-care in the autumn blues:
1. Power Pose Your Way Through the Darkness
How we hold ourselves physically affects how we feel emotionally. Studies show that adopting a “power pose,” like standing tall with open shoulders, can boost your confidence and improve your mood. In fact, these poses have been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by up to 25%, making you feel calmer and more positive.
It’s a simple yet effective practice. Start your day by standing in a power pose for a few minutes, and notice how it changes how you carry yourself. Pair it with an outfit that makes you feel good, and you’ve got a powerful combo for boosting your mood.
2. Create a Grounding Routine
Autumn naturally asks us to slow down, but it’s easy to resist that shift, especially when we’re trying to hold onto summer’s energy. Instead of fighting the change, lean into it by creating a simple, grounding routine that brings ease to your days and helps maintain your wellbeing.
Start small. Maybe it’s a quiet morning ritual - a slow cup of coffee, a few minutes of stretching, or just opening the window to breathe in the crisp air. These little moments of mindfulness can set a gentle tone for the day. Remember, autumn is about downshifting, so let go of the need to hustle through every moment and embrace the slower pace.
3. Practice Gratitude with the 3 P’s
One of the best ways to shift out of a seasonal funk is through gratitude. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s ‘3 P’s’ gratitude practice from the stress solution is a perfect way to do this. At the end of each day, write down a person, a pleasure, and a promise you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be anything major - maybe you’re thankful for a friend’s text, the warmth of your blanket, or the promise of a restful evening.
This small practice can be a game-changer for your mindset. It’s amazing how simply noticing the positive things, no matter how small, can turn your self care perspective around in seconds.
4. Connect with Others
As the days get shorter, it’s tempting to withdraw and isolate ourselves. But human connection is one of the most powerful ways to lift our spirits during the darker months. Whether it’s meeting up with friends, joining a community group, or just sending a text to someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with, these moments of connection can break the cycle of feeling low.
Stepping outside of your own world and into someone else’s for even a short time can make all the difference. It reminds us that we’re not alone in what we’re experiencing, and sometimes, that’s all we need to feel a little lighter.
5. Create Your Own ‘Hygge’
The Danish concept of ‘hygge’—the art of coziness and comfort—is the perfect antidote to the autumn blues. What makes your space feel like a sanctuary? Maybe it’s soft lighting, your favorite blanket, or the scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air.
Hygge isn’t about making huge changes; it’s about adding small touches that make your environment feel nurturing. When your home feels cozy, it’s easier to embrace the season rather than resist it. So, light those candles, play your favorite playlist, and create an atmosphere that soothes your soul.
Embracing the Shift of Seasons
Autumn asks us to let go of the need for constant productivity and to embrace a season of reflection and restoration. So, if you’re feeling the autumn blues creep in, remember that it’s okay to slow down. Give yourself the permission to rest, to reconnect, and to cozy up.
Because just like the leaves fall and the seasons change, we too are meant to ebb and flow with the rhythm of nature.