I don’t know about you, but the air has been feeling a bit more crispy than usual. Colder in the mornings, warm(ish) in the afternoon, and colder at night. The weather change hit FAST. Now, it’s time to reflect on the impact of summer and upcoming adjustments as winter is coming.
Like many others, I’ve been feeling a lot more energized with the sun being out longer and making more of an effort to soak up as much sun as possible through spending more time outside, going for walks and enjoying the small moments of summer. One thing that’s common for most, is how mental health and mental well being tends to plummet, as the sun comes out later, sets earlier and it becomes too cold to continue routines and practices that are started and solidified in the winter.
If you’re thinking at all about planning ahead to start practicing and implementing new routines to prepare for the winter you might already be a few steps ahead of us who are hanging on to the last remnants of summer. If you haven’t yet, don’t worry. We know that change is hard, so we’ve started thinking of some things for you.
Here are some things to consider for your inventory:
Mindful Movement: Exercise plays such a vital role in brain functioning and mental well being because it releases chemicals in the brain (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins) that make you feel good. When you feel good, it’s easier to manage depression, anxiety, improve sleep quality and reduce stress (or it improves these things all together). We recommend implementing or continuing your exercise routines, or tailoring them to the weather like swapping indoor workouts for skipping workouts or running on a treadmill when possible instead of running in inclement weather).
Feeling good from the outside in: Paying attention to things like skin care, a weather appropriate wardrobe or identifying comfy clothes can promote positive feelings about the weather change. I know for me, I get excited about trying new skincare products and planning my warm and cozy winter wardrobe.
Comfort foods: If you’re a foodie, you know that there are certain foods that are an absolute “no no” in the summer that you might be looking forward to for the fall and winter. Fall brings pumpkin spice, apple cider and the beginning of soup season, which follows through the holiday season.
Get cozy: You can never go wrong with heated blankets, fuzzy socks, nostalgic movies, and warm showers. These can help embrace warmth, soothe your muscles and help with the weather adjustment. In the winter, nothing feels better than curling up on the couch under my heated blanket with my favorite movie or show playing on the TV.
Think about ways to slow down: Slow mornings and slow evenings can help with “waking up” when it’s too cold to get out of bed, or help with “winding down” at the end of the day when it’s already dark outside. Maybe it’s being intentional about morning devotionals and prayer, practicing journaling or establishing a sleeping schedule. Thinking about mindfulness techniques to start and or end the day can help with relaxation and promote positive self care.
Prioritize your mental health: Your mental health and wellbeing very likely will change with the pace of life and the weather changing, which is normal. Knowing where and when to seek support is so important to managing this change. Lean on your community, spend as much time with others as you can and look for mental health professionals when needed.
This list is not exhaustive, but the season change brings a chance to slow down, reflect and pay special attention to yourself and your needs. Feel free to tailor this list to whatever is comfortable for you. Let’s embrace this change together!
Comments