Stepping out of my door on a September morning, I'm immediately smacked in the face with the crisp air of fall. The hillsides might not be as colorful as I’m used to back on the east coast, but even here in Colorado, I find parts of myself remembering and reaching for autumn. My seasonal rituals are not separate from this change, as every fall I rediscover beloved-but-temporarily-forgotten recipes (hello again, pumpkin bread and butternut squash soup) or the box of sweaters that have been patiently waiting through summer’s heat to wrap me in thrifted warmth.
As the daylight of summer slowly slips away, I’m drawn to walk my neighborhood each day, searching for those first hints of yellow and orange in the leaves. At night, the full harvest moon feels closer and brighter than those of recent months - making me forget, momentarily, the shortening days. Even the raccoons growing fat for winter are a reminder of the season's change (this is where you get to envision me trying to casually throw out my trash and instead being stared down by an entire racoon family).
Despite the excitement and nostalgia that fall brings, I can also notice the subtle ways my body and mind start to brace for the winter ahead. And it’s not just me; friends and neighbors have already started to mention a new exhaustion creeping in as the days grow shorter, nights colder. Originally from New England, I know how long and dark winter can be. My body remembers the utter chaos of what -25F feels like and let me tell you, it is getting ready to hunker down. It tells me the onset of fall feels like a time to prepare and I am learning to listen and respond to this request. Here are some small steps I’ve found helpful:
Tips for Finding Ease in the Seasonal Transition
- Boost your Vitamin D: With your doctor’s approval, start taking a daily Vitamin D supplement to combat the reduced sunlight exposure and help maintain your energy levels as the days grow shorter. Many of us are already vitamin D deficient, so let’s kick it up a notch.\
- Establish a Morning Routine: Enjoy the cooling fall air by taking regular walks or trips outside in the morning (whether this is on foot, a bike, a wheelchair, or with your kid’s stroller);. This will not only keep you connected to nature as it changes but also help regulate your circadian rhythm.\
- Create Cozy Nesting Spaces: Prepare your home for the colder months by adding touches of comfort—pull out a weighted blanket, decorate with some candles or holiday lights, and set up a humidifier to combat the dry winter air.\
- Balance Summer and Fall Foods: Embrace the last of the season's harvest by making meals with summer’s ripe vegetables (what to do with all of that zucchini?!), while also shifting towards heartier dishes like stews and curries that can be frozen for winter. Even just finding some “fall” themed recipes you can get excited about making will help! Some of my favorites are on noracooks.com and cookieandkate.com\
- Incorporate Winter Activities into Your Calendar: Look ahead and add winter festivals, holiday gatherings, or fun outings to your calendar. On top of hosting, you can try searching Facebook Events or Googling city/local events near you as a jumping-off point. Having events to look forward to can bring a sense of joy and anticipation during the colder months, offering moments of connection and excitement. \
- Reconnect with Support Systems: As summer winds down, now is a good time to reconnect with therapy or other support systems that may have fallen off your schedule. Ensuring you have a solid support network will help you navigate the emotional challenges of the season, especially as we enter “the holidays”.\
- Prepare for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): If you, like me, have struggled with SAD, consider strategies that have helped you in the past. Whether it’s light therapy, planning social events, or having hobbies to look forward to, taking proactive steps can make winter feel more manageable.
If you find yourself struggling with the seasonal change, I’m here to help. Reach out to me today for a free consultation, and let’s create a plan together to move into winter with care.