“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” -George Elliot

Doesn’t fall feel nostalgic? There is something about the crisp autumn air that makes the days a little more magical. Pumpkin spice everything and the beginning of the holiday season. What’s not often talked about though are the melancholy feelings of fall. There is often this underlying feeling of sadness. A grief that is difficult to put your finger on. A longing for the summer months. Unsettled energy and a sense of urgency to get everything done before winter. I’m encouraging you to embrace the full range of emotions that you’re feeling this season.

Think about what happens during this season in nature. It’s a season of shedding leaves, preparation for winter, shortened days and early darkness. Just as the seasons go through their natural progression, we too tend to follow the cyclical seasons of nature. Try to embrace this season’s cycle, instead of fighting against it.

How can you embrace the feelings of fall this season?

Shedding what no longer serves you

Use this season as a time of reflection. This can be the perfect time to evaluate what is working and what is not working in your life right now. Re-prioritize what is important to you. What are the things in your life that no longer serve you? Who are the people in your life who may no longer be supportive or additive in your life? What tasks are becoming more of a burden for you right now? Where in your life does it feel too cluttered? Are there any old beliefs that you would like to get rid of once and for all? Work on simplifying and releasing instead of piling on more and tolerating what you no longer want to.

Are there places in your home that need a cleaning before winter? Cleaning out closets, the back seat of your car, even your cabinets. We often feel much more grounded and centered when our surroundings are clean and picked up.

Back to a routine and proper sleep

You may be longing for the fun, laughter and sunshine of summer. Consider autumn is a time to work on slowing down. You might be feeling less energetic and motivated. Get back on a schedule and follow a routine that works for you. Our bodies crave the repetitive and familiar. Make sure you’re getting extra sleep. The summer months probably kept you up late, this season, try to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed earlier. Proper sleep will also keep your immunity high to ward off any upcoming winter illnesses.

Plan and prepare. Make some goals and start working toward them. Extra time inside means you can be working hard behind the scenes to make your goals and dreams a reality. You may not see the results of your hard work just yet, but anything is progress.

Feeling a sense of gratitude

Despite the often drastic changes of this season (especially here in Wisconsin where the weather goes from 80 degrees to 40 degrees within a matter of a few days), one of the main themes of fall is giving thanks. Start now by giving thanks for the fun you experienced this summer. Give thanks for changes that are occurring in your life right now, both the good and the bad.

Gratitude has been proven over and over to increase a person’s happiness. Try starting a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down 3 things that you’re grateful for. Even on days when it feels like there is nothing to be grateful for, you can always something. Commit to tracking gratitude for 30 days. Watch as you train your brain to focus on the positive and experience the abundance of blessings that grow in your life.

Write a thank you note. Who do you appreciate in your life right now? Who is always in your corner supporting you? Now is the time to give them a shout out. Send them a text expressing your gratitude. Let people know how much they mean to you. Write a letter. Who doesn’t love getting old fashioned snail mail?

Reconnecting with friends and family

Have you been feeling a little disconnected from your loved ones lately? Summer was all about the hustle and bustle, but as things slow down, re-evaluate where you are with your loved ones. Who in your life have you been neglecting? Who do you need to chat with or take out to dinner? Connection is a key part in helping us to feel less lonely and depressed as the seasons change. If you are someone who notices their mood fluctuating throughout the season, it is even more important to schedule in time with family and friends.

Work in ways to feel more grounded

In contrast to summer’s more flighty energy, fall grounds us and brings us back to our roots. If you feel like you’re having a difficult time grounding and reconnecting to yourself and others, try to incorporate more grounding activities into routine.

Ways to practice self-care and ground this fall:

Do

• Practice yoga
• Get cozy with a good book
• Take a walk in nature
• Clean out your closets and drawers
• Take time to journal and reflect
• Practice meditation or relaxation exercises
• Light candles
• Try a new recipe
• Give lots of hugs and snuggles
• Start a gratitude journal
• Take an Epsom salt bath
• Look through photos from the summer, compile them into a photo album
• Make friend dates or take out your sweetie
• Use this time to strengthen your spiritual practice
• Watch movies with your favorite treat
• Feel your feelings (no bottling them up to explode later)
• Practice non-judgement towards yourself and others
• Wear clothing that feels comfy and pleasant on your skin
• Reflect on how far you have come

Eat

• Root veggies (carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes and white potatoes)
• Squash (Acorn, spaghetti squash, pumpkin, butternut)
• Warm soups and stews
• Hearty grains (oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, quinoa)
• Warming coffee and tea

Enjoy all of the goodness that fall has to offer.

If fall is typically a difficult time for you, remember that this is only a season that will pass. Practice the tips above to help relieve the stress, anxiety and sadness associated with fall. If your mood cannot be lifted despite what you have been trying, consider reaching out for help.

If the feelings of fall have got you down and you’re interested in working together, please contact me to learn more.

Currently serving Neenah, Appleton, Oshkosh and the surrounding Fox Cities area.