Ann thinks about the changing season
Autumn is arriving and with it comes busier schedules, colder weather, and shorter days. In the blink of an eye, the holidays will be here, and we’ll be wrapping up another year. Autumn is a natural time for reflection and gratitude, and it provides some special opportunities to use seasonal self-care ideas like the ones below.
Why do you need self-care?
Stress is a natural part of life for all of us. We can try to reduce negative stresses, but we can’t completely avoid things that make us feel anxious, tense, frustrated, or discouraged. Self-care helps mitigate the negative effects of stress. That’s why it’s so important! Without self-care, stress builds up until we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, depressed, and physically sick.
What kind of self-care do you need?
You need self-care year-round, but some of your self-care practices may need to change with the seasons. Obviously, your warm-weather favourites may not be doable in colder weather. Bringing some seasonal self-care activities into your routine can also provide needed variety and help you tap into different interests, feelings, and energies. Self-care includes anything healthy that you do to meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It’s designed to meet a specific need. So, the best way to choose a self-care activity is to ask yourself:
How do I feel right now?
What would help me feel better (healthier, happier, restored, energized)?
For example, if you notice that you feel tired, you probably need rest and if you feel lonely, you probably need companionship.
Set boundaries. Boundaries aren’t about trying to control others or make them change. Boundaries are an important form of self-care; you set and enforce boundaries for your own wellbeing. They allow you to prioritize yourself and not overcommit or sign-up for things you can’t or don’t want to do.
Autumn signals the beginning of the holiday season which often means the busiest time of the year. We have to sort through dozens of obligations, invitations, expectations, and traditions. It’s important to recognize that you can’t do everything and it’s healthy to protect your mental health by saying “no” to people and events that drain your energy and don’t fill you with joy.
Enjoy the last bits of warm weather. Depending on where you live, you may already be feeling a chill in the air. I love cooler weather and bundling up in a sweater, but sunshine is good for us and as we move toward winter, the Northern Hemisphere gets less and less So, make the most of the remaining warm, sunny days by spending some time outside.
