As we are heading into the darker months and the weather begins to change, our energy and mood starts to naturally come down a little. This can be hard when we are starting something new which may need a lot of energy.
In the Autumn, the leaves start to change into beautiful colours, the weather gets a little colder, and the evenings start to get darker earlier. Our bodies naturally need to slow down and rest in preparation for all the newness of Spring so its normal to feel different if our surroundings are also different.
The best advice here would be to grab the new season by the horns and throw yourself into the positives of this beautiful transitional time.
- Get out for walks amongst those beautiful autumnal colours. Stop and really appreciate the colours, shapes, and smells all around you, especially in nature. This gives an automatic mental health boost.
- Get as much natural light during the day as you can. As this time of year is darker, there is not as much Vit D around from the sunshine, so try to get out as early in the day as possible.
- Keep up your social connections with friends and family – schedule these times like you would your study times.
- Don’t forget about your hobbies & exercise – these are essential for the release of our natural happy hormones and to feel vibrant in during the darker months.
- Have warm baths in the evenings to naturally unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
- If you have an open fire, start lighting it now or light candles to create a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere at home.
- Have a think about some warm and nourishing meals you can cook and make it exciting.
- Make your surroundings as inviting as possible so that your excited to sit in your living room or go to bed – soft, warm, and snuggly blankets, throws, cushions, and colours. Get out your favourite cozy PJ’s or Loungewear.
- If you find it hard to motivate yourself to get out the door during the darker months – get a friend or family member on board to do things together. Not only will you benefit from physically doing something, but you will also benefit mentally by having chats and talking about things that are bothering you.
If you can even manage to do one or two of the above points to celebrate our new season and new starts, it will not only help with your studies, college work and focus, but also your life in general.