A few days back I was talking to my friend and I asked her how she was doing. Well, she said, I'm feeling really tired. And kind of blue, she added reluctantly. And that's the thing, it can be difficult to share the overwhelmed feelings that sometimes emerge, when the Autumn kicks in. Because what can you really do about it?
I'm the first to admit that it also hits me hard every year, the feeling that occurs when the Summer is over and the hours with daylight decreases little by little. The darkness and at times sadness, even though, I have so many people and things to be grateful about in my life.
I have learnt to accept the mood changes that I experience. It's ok not to be super happy all the time, but I do my best not to cling to sadness or feeling low for too long, because it drains me, when it goes on for too long. It has become a conscious decision for my part to look for the best and most positive part in any situation, no matter how difficult or hard it may occur.
“The decision to make the present moment your friend is the end of the ego.”
Let me quickly add that in some cases the unhappiness is rooted in more than sadness and could be an actual disorder and should be handled with the help of your GP.
When my friend shared with me that she was drained and moody, I came to think of the following selfcare ideas that has help me keep my spirits up into the Autumn season. So this is what I told her:
Search for daylight whenever you get the chance
When the days get shorter, there is a great possibility that it's dark outside when you leave for work and the samething when you go home in the afternoon. You may not spend anytime outside during the day, unless you consciously make the decision to get outside. If you have a planned coffee break take it outside, even if it's just for a few minutes. It will make you feel better and you will get access to the natural benefits of the natural light such as the important d-vitamin that we all need.
Get enough rest
When the daylight savings time switch, take advantage of the extra hour at night. It will help you catch up on your sleep. and actually it's not unusual to sleep for 7 to 9 hoursat night. Make your bed with your favourite sheets and have a nice shower or bath before going to bed. Repeat for as many nights as you need. Sleep works wonders.
Oh yes, if you have small kids that keep you awake of night or if you just need it, take a powernap during the day, if you have the possibility to do so. I try to nap on Sundays, if I get the chance.
Soak in the colours and Autumn surroundings in your neighbourhood
We all dream about weekend getaways, but your time and budget may not be geared for travlling right now. Take a look down your road. Maybe you have a park, the forest or a lake nearby where you can go for a walk.
Social Media detox
Easier said than done, but Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and the list goes on, is so time consuming and can be really draining. Decide to take a break from it all, make a conscious decision to spend an entire day or evning without checking, or why not a whole weekend? It will make space for something else that you may have been postponing.
Share you concerns with your close ones
Consider the possibility to share your concerns with a friend or a relative. When you have been keeping things to yourself for a while, your sitiation may seem more overwhelming than it actually is. There is a great chance that getting your thoughts off your chest will help you see the situation in a new and different perspective, once you have talked to someone that cares.
Think about it, what could be your first step today, if you have been feeling low lately?