Surviving Seasonal Change

The emerging colors of autumn, sweater weather and pumpkin galore are beautiful things. As lovely as autumn season seems, it can bring undesirable feelings of gloom. Shorter days, quickly cooling temps, and the slow demise of summer’s vibrant greens and flowers, feels as if the world is coming to the end. I go though this gloom every single year. High on summer, like clockwork, I crash. It happens shortly before labor day and lasts throughout September. This year I really focused on finding ways to cope through this gloomy time, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. My symptoms are mild and manageable with some work, and this article is focused on just that. If you are experiencing thoughts of hopelessness, have thoughts of hurting yourself or struggle to make it through the day, please reach out to a professional health care provider. Below I’ve included some national support lines. The following ideas I’m sharing I have engaged in, and found my seasonal gloom greatly dissapate.

Look ahead!

Make a list of what you really love about the upcoming seasons. Identifying positives in the months to come can help get through the dreary transition. For example, I love Christmas. If it was up to me, Labor Day would begin the Christmas season! This year when I realized the gloom set in, I listened to some of my favorite Christmas songs. Frank Sinatra and The Brian Stetzer Orchestra Christmas songs are upbeat and festive. From there, I started planning my baking lists, new Christmas lights, etc…

Not everyone is as enthused by Christmas. If you enjoy tromping through the woods, picking pumpkins and apples while bundled up in your favorite sweater and boots, start planning! Hayrides, wine tasting events, Halloween parties line up in October. Having an enjoyable upcoming event can help curb those dark feelings. Plan a day trip, or two, to get out of your daily routine. We planned an overnight trip in October to visit the charming city of Stillwater, MN and then a stroll through the Mall of America. I’ve still had feelings of gloom throughout September, but know that good things are on the way. If you have a vacation planned in the months ahead, or even further out, focus on that. Research places, cultures, activities of where you’re vacay may be.

Try new, simple things

Easier said than done. In September, 8pm can feel like midnight. Take advantage of the extra dark time that shows up this month by reading something of interest, or trying a new recipe. We like to pick up cookbooks once in while. They’re fun to page through, admire the pictures and be inspired. I will forever love any pasta dish! It can be difficult to find the energy when emotions are down, so keep things simple. I had no motivation to cook for the past month, but like to eat good food. Experiment with different types of sandwiches or recipes that require a few simple ingredients. Or, create easy charcuterie boards.

Sometimes soul food is necessary. Yes, an evening enjoying a bowl of mac and cheese, creamy soup, or lasagna, avec baguette, can be just what is needed for the seasonal blues. And then, even if you have to force yourself, get outside. Early fall brings some unpredictable weather, but generally still mild for walking. Reflect on the summer and think about the future. Remind yourself this is temporary and seasonal change is part of the circle of life. Easy to forget, but leads me to….

When summer is wilting away, my thoughts and worries of life and death seem to blossom. Stable in my emotions throughout the year, this seasonal transition blows them all over. Nature is perishing before our eyes, of course there is symbolism to death. Life is short, and now it seems really short. So, reach out to those you care about and love. If you’re feeling unloved, or isolated, know that you’re not alone. Connect with your spiritual self. I have found peace by listening to talks by Ajahn Brahm on YouTube. Books by Miguel Ruiz are inspiring if this time of year brings doubts of yourself. Visit your local bookstore, grab your favorite warm drink and browse some self help or spiritual books. If you’re really in a dark place in your mind reach out to a therapist or counselor.

Cozy up your home

Pick out something seasonal to add to your home. Antique and vintage shops are great places to find fun and inexpensive decor and housewares. I found these unique wheat patterned plates for $18 at a local antique store. They definitely add autumn flair to dinner time. Add some warmth to your home. Throw an extra cozy blanket on your couch, light a fall/ winter scented candle each evening (think pine, pumpkin, apple, vanilla). Pick up some flower stems from your local farmers market. Depending your location, sunflowers, mums, dahlias and roses bloom into the early fall. And, floral shops have many varieties of flowers.