It’s officially Fall. The leaves are all kinds of colors, pumpkin spice is sprinkled into most of your caffeinated beverages, and the moon makes its way out much earlier than it did just a few weeks ago.
There is so much to look forward to, with yummy treats, crisp weather, all the plaid and Halloween festivities approaching. However, even with all the upcoming Fall goodness, some gloominess may try to make its way over now that the days are getting shorter.
If this resonates with you, then here are some helpful tips that might aid you in working alongside this seasonal gloominess.
Get some light:
If you’re finding some sadness or gloominess coming your way when the sun goes down, then it may mean that you need some more light. Now that the days are getting shorter, there are less opportunities to soak in that Vitamin D. If you’re logging off work or leaving the office and it’s already dark, it can be hard to get in that sunshine time. If that’s the case, it can be helpful to add in light whenever you can.
Whether it’s getting in some extra walks during the day, or bringing in some new lamps to your home, adding in some extra light throughout your day can tell your brain it’s time to fight that gloominess.
Surround yourself with goodness:
Just like it may help to add some more light to your life, so to can it help to support your other senses. It can be beneficial to line your home with comfortable blankets and pillows, to bring out some of your favorite calming scents, and to add in some of those colorful decorations that you have been meaning to display.
When you surround your senses with enjoyable input, then the natural effect is enjoyment. So if you’re debating whether or not to get that lavender scented body wash or that pumpkin spice candle, go for it!
Pad your schedule:
Sometimes the gloominess might creep in when a sense of stillness occurs. It can be so helpful to take some intentional relaxation time, however if you only have television or scrolling time on your calendar, you may want to add in some other activities.
Adding in some safe social hangouts, date nights with your partner, that art class you have been meaning to take, or even a simple jog around the block can boost your energy and leave you feeling shielded from that lingering dreariness.
It is of course okay and completely natural to feel down occasionally, however if you’re feeling that this gloominess is lingering beyond a few weeks and it is hard to get away from, please speak with a health provider.
If you are ever experiencing gloominess in the form of a crisis, you can text the Crisis Text Line for free by texting “HOME” to 741741.
However you may be caring for yourself during this time, we wish you a healthy and Jubilance filled Halloween and Fall Season.
