Summer is officially over and, in the climates where seasons change, the weather is becoming cooler, pumpkins are sitting in front of houses, the semester or busy time at work is in high gear, and some of us are still struggling to catch up.
How does fall affect your mood? For many people, fall is a let down. After lazy, relaxing summer months full of long days, lots of sunlight and easy schedules, fall feels like a slap in the face of your good nature.
For others, fall can be a wonderful, inspirational time of year; recipes are plentiful, the air is crisp and rejuvenating and the holidays are right around the corner producing excitement and anticipation of good times ahead at parties, with friends and family.
Getting in touch with how fall affects you could be to your benefit as fall turns into winter and many of us, even the most optimistic, get down in the dumps. The weather is difficult to navigate, there is actually less sunlight entering our brains and the days can feel short, hard, exhausting and brutal as we juggle all of our responsibilities.
Tackling your emotional state right now can buffer you against the possible winter doldrums. Set yourself up with an excellent stash of winter novels, some awesome recipes you'd like to try out, and keep active! Going to the gym or finding a wonderful collection of DVD's that you will work through until spring opens the buds on the trees can keep your endorphins moving and keep you happy and motivated through even the most challenging of months.
Not unlike the squirrels who use fall as a period of gathering and making ready, we also can use this gorgeous season to plan ahead for winter, storing up on much needed fresh air walks in crisp leaves, picking fruit if you are living in that type of climate, and making a few lists here and there of some indoor things you'd like to do on a regular basis.
Know, too that before too long that sun will be shining again and your shorts will be back out of the closet - just keep yourself involved and watch the sunset - so what if it sets a bit earlier now? Grab your tea and blankets, curl up with a loved one, child, dog or book and enjoy the dynamic of the changing seasons.
Aimee Boyle lives in a beautiful area in southern CT and is a big fan of fall. She contributes regularly to EmpowHER.